Fallen soldier in Negros Oriental clash laid to rest

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Army Corporal Renold Gardose was laid to rest in his hometown in Tapaz, Capiz on Wednesday after he was killed in a series of clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Sto. Niño, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental on Feb. 15.

The 29-year-old soldier was the sixth among 11 siblings in the family. His wake was held at their residence after his remains arrived on Feb. 17.

A Holy Mass was held at San Nicolas Catholic Church on Wednesday morning, followed by the interment at the San Nicolas public cemetery. He is survived by his wife and their daughter.

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division solemnly rendered final military honors to the fallen soldier, honoring his ultimate sacrifice. In a statement, the 3ID said that Gardose’s courage stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of service and dedication embodied by every member of the division.

Gardose was among the personnel of the 11th Infantry Battalion who clashed with remnants of the dismantled Southeast Front. One of his colleagues was also wounded in the encounter.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has been waging a decades-long insurgency considered one of the longest-running in Asia. The Philippine military has declared several NPA fronts dismantled in recent years as part of its counterinsurgency campaign.

Following the armed encounter in Barangay Sto. Niño, the 11th Infantry Battalion, in cooperation with local authorities, conducted a community dialogue on Feb. 22 to address concerns, prevent misinformation and assure residents of sustained security operations to maintain peace and stability in the area.

The dialogue also aimed to update the affected community on the security situation and ongoing efforts to protect the residents. Affected residents have returned to their homes after the area was cleared by authorities.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development discussed available assistance and stress debriefing services to support affected individuals and families, while the local government assured that community concerns would be addressed.

The local police emphasized the importance of community vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activities to prevent future incidents.