• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The family of the late Private First Class John Rey Brasil has requested that he be laid to rest on July 1, the birthday of his wife, in what military officials describe as a poignant final gesture honoring a promise he made before his death in the line of duty.
Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, commander of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, said Brasil had assured his wife that he would be with her on her birthday.
“This will be the first and last time that the fallen soldier will celebrate his wife’s birthday,” Alfonso told Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. during the latter’s visit to Negros Occidental on June 3.
Brasil, 29, was killed during an armed encounter with New People’s Army remnants in Barangay Tamlang, Escalante City on June 1.
He will be buried in Murcia, Negros Occidental, where his family resides.
The soldier leaves behind his 24-year-old wife, whom he married only a year ago.
His death has drawn tributes from government officials, military leaders, and peace advocates who praised his dedication and sacrifice in service to the country.
Teodoro, who visited Brasil’s wake at a funeral parlor in Sagay City, extended his condolences to the bereaved family and described the soldier’s death as honorable and reflective of his commitment to military service.
The Defense chief said Brasil joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at age of 19 and had recently been identified for further leadership training as a prospective team leader.
Teodoro directed concerned government agencies to provide psychosocial support and other forms of assistance to the soldier’s family.
Meanwhile, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) joined the AFP in mourning Brasil’s death, describing him as a steadfast defender of peace who embodied selflessness, bravery, and unwavering commitment to duty.
In a statement, the anti-insurgency body said Brasil placed himself between vulnerable communities and armed groups seeking to sow fear and instability, adding that his sacrifice was made in pursuit of lasting peace in Negros Occidental.
The NTF-ELCAC said that beyond his military responsibilities, Brasil was actively involved in peace advocacy efforts as a supporter of the Youth for Peace Movement-Northern Negros Chapter.
It added that the fallen soldier devoted his time to encouraging young Filipinos to embrace patriotism, responsible citizenship, and community involvement. | GB
