26-year-old soldier slain in Sulu was a thoughtful, devoted son and brother, says sister

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – “No one’s gonna say ‘good morning.’ No one’s gonna ask if we still have food in the house.”

This was how Rosalyn Lorin described their life now that her younger brother, 2nd Lt. Alfredo Lorin VI, is gone.

The 26-year old Marine officer, Limboy to his family and friends, was among those killed in a clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu, on Saturday.

“He sends text messages asking if our parents still have (food) supply. He always said that if we were running short of food, he could always send money. Every time he visits us (in Iriga), he leaves every penny of his allowance and he’ll always assure us that he can manage,” Rosalyn said.

Rosalyn said Limboy’s salary went to their mother, making sure that their parents were able to get through while he was away.

Lorin is the sixth among eight siblings. His four elder brothers are married and have since left home. He also supports the education of his two younger brothers.

“He’s more like a father to us even if I am older than him,” Rosalyn said.

Limboy graduated valedictorian in elementary education, and managed to secure a high school scholarship.

“At a young age, he was already a working student. Napakahirap po namin (We were so poor). His dream before was to have a good job and build a decent home for my parents. Our parents are jobless and are already old,” Rosalyn said.

Breaking the news to their parents was hard, Rosalyn said. “One of the elder brothers agreed to break news gradually. Unfortunately, the one who was tasked to speak to my mother, nauna pa’ng umiyak (he was the first to cry). My father is still in shock right now,” she said.

Rosalyn said even if they were devastated, they had to accept their brother’s fate.

“Maybe that’s the only task given to him by his Pareng God– the task to touch everyone’s heart and to remind us that life is precious and we need to strive harder,” Rosalyn said.