The two soldiers, who died in Moises Padilla during an encounter with members of the New People’s Army were simultaneously laid to rest in separate venues, and given full military honors Nov. 20.
Army troopers, family, and friends attended the burial rites for Corporal Biencent John Trero at Angel’s Memorial Park in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, while the late Private Cesar Ian Eleuterio was laid to rest at the public cemetery of Brgy. Jaena Norte in Jamindan, Capiz.
Trero and Eleuterio, both members of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion paid the ultimate sacrifice in an encounter against members of the CPP-NPA terrorists in Sitio Tiyos, Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental Nov. 3.
Four soldiers were also wounded in that armed skirmish.
A gun salute was rendered during the burial rites and the Philippine flags, which had been draped over Trero and Elueterio’s caskets as their fellow soldiers carried their remains to their final resting places, were handed over to their respective families at the end of the ceremony.
“We condole with the families of Trero and Eleuterio. We proudly salute you for your patriotism and heroism,” Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, commanding officer of the 79IB said.
“Rest assured that your sacrifices will never be put in vain as we vow to be more relentless in our effort to end the local armed conflict in Northern Negros,” he added. | NND
