BACOLOD CITY – Full military honors were accorded to the two soldiers who were killed in an encounter with communist rebels in Moises Padilla town, Negros Occidental last November 3, 2021.
The bodies of Corporal Biencent John L. Trero and Private Cesar Ian B. Eleuterio arrived at the Bacolod-Silay Airport and Roxas City Airport via an aircraft of the Philippine Air Force on Saturday.
Trero was transported to his family in Barangay To-uy, Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, while the Eleuterio was brought to his residence in Barangay Jaena Norte, Jamindan, Capiz.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of the departed comrades. Both will be given full military honors befitting of a hero during their wake and on interment,” said L. Col. J-jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander.
“We will not let this incident dampen our spirit but rather serve as a motivation and inspiration for us to do our best and strive even harder to accomplish our mission. We shall not let their sacrifices go in vain as we vow to be more relentless in our peace and development efforts to end the local armed conflict not only in Moises Padilla but in Negros Occidental as a whole,” Javines added.
Four other soldiers, who were wounded during the encounter, are now in stable condition and are well taken cared of in a private hospital in Cebu City.