Army honors officer killed in firefight with rebels in Abra

The remains of Army 2nd Lt. Zaldy Lapis, a member of the Army’s 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company, were flown back to his hometown in Iloilo province. Lapis was killed during a firefight with a rebel group in Abra on Monday. (Contributed photo)

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City –– The body of a military officer killed in an encounter with the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA) in Abra was flown back to his family in Iloilo on Wednesday, the Army said.

Army 2nd Lt. Zaldy Lapis Jr. was also honored in a Mass at St. Joseph The Worker Parish in this military camp on Tuesday, according to the 7th Infantry Division (7ID) public affairs office.

Lapis, a member of the 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company, and his fellow soldiers were conducting combat operations when they reportedly encountered 40 members of the NPA’s Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-North Abra on Monday.

Lapis, who was hailed by the 7ID as a “fallen hero” would be brought to his hometown of Dingle, Iloilo, where he would be laid to rest, said the Army.

“Your ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten. Instead, it will be our inspiration to fight until we have achieved the peace that we all long for,” the 7ID said in a message as it extended its condolences to the soldier’s family.

LZB