Himlayan ng mga Bayani inaugurated in Quezon
CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal - In honor of those who sacrificed their lives fighting for peace, the Himlayan ng mga Bayani was inaugurated in Tagkawayan, Quezon on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
It comes after five CAAs were brutally killed while one soldier and two more CAAs were injured in an ambush by NPAs using anti-personnel mine, which is a violation of the United Nations Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, near the boundary of Labo, Camarines Norte and Tagkawayan, Quezon last September 1.
The ceremony, held at the Tagkawayan Public Cemetery, was led by Quezon Governor Hon. Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan as part of the government's efforts to honor the fallen CAA heroes who sacrificed their lives defending the peace and security of their community.
Shortly after, a public viewing was also held at the Tagkawayan Gymnasium for the fallen CAA heroes. Among those who extended their sympathies were Gov. Tan, Tagkawayan Mayor Hon. Luis Oscar T. Eleazar, Jomalig Mayor Hon. Nelmar T. Sarmiento, Guinayangan Mayor Hon. Maria Marieden M. Isaac, Southern Luzon Command Commander Lt. Gen. Efren P. Baluyot, 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong, 201st Infantry "Kabalikat" Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Erwin A. Alea, and 85th Infantry "Sandiwa" Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Joel R. Jonson. The families of the fallen CAA heroes also received financial assistance from the Quezon provincial government.
Gov. Tan mentioned that the NPAs tested the SIPS status of the province but vowed that the collaborative peace efforts of the LGUs, security forces, and various stakeholders will be stronger to ensure the safety and security enjoyed by the peace-loving Quezonians. Mayor Eleazar encouraged the community members to be strong and continue working with the government to ensure the NPAs will not be able to sow terror in our communities again.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Capulong commended the heroism and bravery of the CAAs, highlighting their crucial role in the government's peacekeeping and nation-building efforts. He also assured the families of the fallen heroes that 2ID will be relentless in its operations until justice is attained for them.
On the other hand, the Southern Luzon Command Commander Lt. Gen. Efren P. Baluyot emphasized that this isolated incident will not deter the military’s resolve, adding that the soldiers and CAAs alike remain committed to ensuring that such tragedy does not happen again. And further added that we will continuously work for peace and development not only in Quezon province, but for the whole Southern Tagalog Region.