FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Eight of the eleven fallen soldiers of the 21st Infantry Battalion, whose remains arrived in Manila on Saturday, April 18, 2020, were given honors by Philippine defense leaders at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay, City.
Today, the AFP will bring home all eleven fallen heroes to their respective home towns. Eight in Luzon, one in the Visayas and two in Mindanao.
National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr, Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay AFP, Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. General Allen T Paredes and Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel Maj. Gen. Adriano C. Perez paid tribute to the 21IB troops who died securing Patikul, Sulu from the presence of Abu Sayyaf Group on Friday, April 17.
“The Philippine Army and the whole Philippine defense organization mourns the death of its soldiers. In honor of their sacrifice for the nation, we assure the bereaved families that we will take care of them and extend to them the necessary assistance that their families will need. On behalf of a grateful nation and a proud Army, we salute you.” Said Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay AFP, Commanding General, Philippine Army.#