Army honors fallen Cafgu, wounded soldiers in Escalante
Maj. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, visits the wake of Cafgu Active Auxiliary member Chris Jan Pahayahay and two wounded soldiers at a Bacolod City hospital on Thursday, Oct. 1, after a clash with suspected New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Sept. 29. (3ID)
By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY — The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) recognized the bravery of a slain Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary (CAA) member and two soldiers wounded in an armed encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.
Maj. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 3ID commander, paid tribute to and visited the wake of CAA member Chris Jan Pahayahay at a memorial chapel in Sagay City on Thursday, where he conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of the Army’s continued support during their time of grief.
He also extended financial assistance in addition to the aid previously provided by the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB).
“We deeply mourn the loss of Pahayahay, who made the ultimate sacrifice while ensuring the safety and development of our communities,” Escanillas said in a statement.
He added that Pahayahay’s courage and dedication to duty will always be remembered.
Escanillas emphasized that the service and commitment shown by Pahayahay reflect the vital role of CAA members in supporting government efforts to maintain peace and security in conflict-affected areas.
“His sacrifice serves as an inspiration for soldiers and community defenders to remain steadfast in their mission of safeguarding peace and advancing development initiatives in local communities,” the 3ID commander added.
Meanwhile, Escanillas, accompanied by Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, 79th IB commander, conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal on the two soldiers during a simple ceremony in Bacolod City.
The 3ID also extended financial assistance to the wounded soldiers and their families to help support their household needs and provide much-needed aid during their recovery.
Escanillas said the medal symbolizes the bravery, dedication and selfless service demonstrated by the soldiers in the face of danger.
“Their sacrifice will never go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to protecting the people and upholding peace in our communities,” he added.
He said caring for soldiers goes beyond recognizing their courage in the field, emphasizing that the welfare of troops and their families remains a priority of the command.
“Our responsibility to our soldiers does not end when an operation is over. This assistance is a gesture of our gratitude and commitment to our soldiers who have risked their lives to protect our people,” he added.
The two soldiers, both members of the 79th IB’s Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP) Team, and Pahayahay figured in the clash while conducting a security patrol aimed at sustaining the area’s peace and development gains.
The 3ID earlier said the firefight in Sitio Bautista, Barangay Malasibog, lasted about 10 minutes and that the two wounded soldiers were taken to a hospital and were in stable condition.
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