Two soldiers identified as Staff Sergeant John Claire Flores, 43 year-old soldier from Matnog, and Private First Class Mark Edupancho Siscar, 29 year-old soldier from Dolores, Eastern Samar, were killed after an alleged group of the New People’s Army (NPA) attacked a squad of the 52nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Dorillo, Jipapad, Eastern Samar, dawn of Friday, October 7.
USEC Jose Faustino, Jr., OIC-Department of National Defense (DND), flew to Borongan City all the way from Manila, to pay tribute to the bereaved families of the two soldiers, today, Sunday, October 9.
Upon arriving at St. Peter Funeral Homes in Barangay Sabang South, Borongan City, where the remains of the two fallen soldiers rest, USEC Faustino was met by the grieving families.
“Ang Department of National Defense ay handang tumulong para makuha niyo lahat ng benefits. Salamat po sa serbisyo na inalay ng mga mahal niyo sa buhay para sa bayan. Talaga pong iniiwasan natin ang ganitong pangyayari, pero hindi po namin pababayaan na mapunta lang sa wala ang kanilang sakripisyo. Condolence po sa inyo,” said USEC Faustino to the wives of the soldiers.
Meanwhile, pledges and support such as cash gifts poured in for the bereaved families. The DND reassured them that they will be given all appropriate incentives from the government.
Also present to give tribute to the two fallen heroes were AFP Chief of Staff LT GEN Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, BM Byron Suyot, BM Annabelle Capito, the 52nd Infantry Battalion, PNP Borongan, and the 78th Infantry Battalion.
After paying a visit to the bereaved families, USEC Faustino and his team, went straight to Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital to visit the three (3) wounded soldiers including a 10-year old civilian.
