WestMinCom Chief leads send-off ceremony of fallen Marine, visits wounded soldiers in Sultan Kudarat

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 23, 2017) - The troops of the Joint Task Force Central accorded military honors to a member of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT)-2, who was killed in action during the encounter with the New People's Army of the Guerilla Front 73, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the marine soldier was Pvt. Albino B. Bahian III, 24 years old, who died during a clash with the NPA 3 days ago (March 20) in Barangay Hinalaan, Kalamansig in the nearby province of Sultan Kudarat.

Cpt. Petinglay said a platoon of MBLT-2 sent to verify the presence of the NPAs in the area encountered about 50 militants under a certain Tirzo Sakudal, a.k.a. Commander Macmac, that lasted for 20 minutes.

The Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., led the send-off ceremony for Pvt Bahian before the fallen soldier's remains was transported to his home in Barangay Masilakon 1, Lugait, Misamis Oriental yesterday morning.

MGen. Galvez also visited on March 21 seven (7) soldiers who were admitted at Camp Siongco Station hospital, Staff Sergeant Alexander Falcansantos, Corporal Joseph Accad, Corporal Castle Camu, Corporal Robert Paul De Asis, Corporal Marlon Ampao, Private First Class Kenneth Dave Calaycay, Private First Class Jared Sugaguil and Pvt Randy Borromeo who were wounded during the heavy armed engagement.

Cpt. Petinglay also said that earlier that same day, the WestMinCom Chief visited two (2) wounded marines at the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga. Cp.l Marlon C. Ampao and PFC Glenn C. Genova were airlifted from Maguindanao by military ambulance aircraft for further medical treatment at the said hospital. As of this report, both are already stable and in good condition.

“The Western Mindanao Command commiserates with the bereaved family and friends of Private Bahian, who made the ultimate sacrifice and dedicated his life in serving the people,” said MGen. Galvez.

“Our salute to Private Bahian and the nine wounded soldiers for their gallantry in action”, MGen. Galvez added.

"We will make sure that the best doctors from higher headquarters will attend to our wounded heroes. They deserve the best medical attention and treatment for their gallantry," declares MGen Galvez.