PNoy pays last respect to soldier killed in Basilan clash, extends financial assistance

By Marlon A. Loterte

PIO DURAN, Albay, August 6 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III visited Friday the wake of one of the soldiers who died in the July 26 encounter with suspected Abu Sayyaf Group in Sumisip, Basilan.

The President arrived at Pio Duran here at noontime and extended condolences to the family of Pfc Arwin C. Martirez, at the same time cited his heroism and gallantry in battle that cost his life.

The President was met at the wake by Luzviminda Martirez, the mother of the slain soldier, and his siblings.

President Aquino handed over to Luzviminda a P250,000 check as financial assistance and also vowed to provide scholarship to three of Martirez’s siblings to finish their schooling.

Martirez, according to his mother, is the family’s bread winner, and has dreamed of seeing his younger siblings get their respective college degrees. This is the reason why Martirez entered military service which is also his childhood dream.

The young soldier is barely a year in his military career when he was killed last July 26 in Mindanao, his mother said. He was a member of the 11th Scout Ranger Company of the 4th Scout Ranger Batallion based in Basilan.

Martirez, 24, along with other nine Army soldiers, died in a fierce encounter with Abu Sayyaf Group in Sumisip, Basilan.

The clash happened at Upper Cabenbeng, Sumisip, Basilan. Eight of the 10 soldiers who died were members of the 10th and the 11th Scout Ranger Companies. Seventeen other soldiers were also wounded.

The military also reported casualties on the Abu Sayyaf Grouop. It said nine Moro gunmen, were killed during the firefights, while four others were wounded.

Accompanying the President during his visit in Pio Duran include Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, former partylist representative Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel, Albay second district Rep. Fernando Gonzalez, and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda.(MAL-PIA5, Albay)