Zamboanga City: Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido on Sunday paid tribute to the troops who were killed and injured during a confrontation with lawless elements in Basilan on April 11.

According to Philippines News Agency, Galido, alongside Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, visited the wake of Sgt. Reymark Bation and Cpl. Jordan Daquipel. Both soldiers belonged to the 18th Infantry Battalion and were honored at the St. Peter Funeral Homes in Zamboanga City, as confirmed by PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala in a news release on Monday. The soldiers lost their lives while engaging with lawless factions in Barangay Dugaa, located in Basilan’s Tuburan town.

“It is with deep sorrow and utmost respect that we honor the ultimate sacrifice of our brave soldiers who died protecting the people of Basilan. We strongly condemn this heinous act and remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice for our fallen heroes,” stated the PA chief.

In a separate visit, Galido awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal to Cpl. Richivie Flores at the West Metro Medical Center (WMMC) in Zamboanga City. This was in recognition of Flores’s bravery and service, as he is currently recovering after undergoing emergency surgery.

Dema-ala emphasized that the PA is committed to supporting the morale and welfare of its personnel. This commitment includes ensuring mission success and providing the highest level of support to soldiers and their families, both during peace and adversity, as they fulfill their duty to serve the people and secure the land.

Dema-ala also mentioned that “special financial assistance” has been provided to the families of the two fallen soldiers, along with full support for the recuperating trooper. He added, “The Army, in close cooperation with the Philippine National Police, are conducting intensified checkpoint operations in the area. Moreover, our troops conducted pursuit operations to go after these lawless elements.”