TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The remains of the two soldiers who were killed after a lighting struck them while conducting routine military operations in the border of West Oma in Lubuagan and Balatoc in Pasil town were brought home to their respective residences in Isabela and Mountain Province.
The cadaver of Cpl. Andrew Five Monerubio was already brought home to his residence in Gamo, Isabela while the remains of Pvt. Inmongog F. Aronchay was turned over to his family members and relatives in Sadanga, Mountain Province.
On the other hand, the four injured soldiers in the unfortunate incident, Sgt. Dennis Bananao, Pfc. Melvin Dangalan, Pvt. Abegil Awingan and Pvt. Riel Angya, are now in stable condition and undergoing medical treatment at the Camp Melchor dela Cruz station hospital in Gamo, Isabela.
Military authorities from the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Gamo, Isabela assured the family members and relatives of the slain government troopers that they will be receiving the appropriate benefits of a soldier from the government and that the same is being currently processed considering that the fatalities died in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
Last May 12, 2024 in the boundary of West Oma in Lubuagan and Balatoc in Pasil, two soldiers died while four others were injured after a lighting struck a 6-man military contingent conducting routine military operations against the communist rebels operating in the area.
Military officers lauded the bravery of the soldiers in weathering the difficult situation during the said operation that resulted in the untimely demise of some of them because of the natural disaster that struck them at the height of the said military operation.
According to them, the military has existing guidelines in the conduct of routine military operations but it is unfortunate that a natural occurrence such as the strike of a lighting cannot be predicted that resulted in the unfortunate incident.
Kalinga provincial officials mourned the untimely demise of the government troopers because of the said incident and lauded them for their commitment and dedication in discharging their duties and responsibilities in ensuring law and order in the communities where they are tasked to operate.
By Dexter A. See
