Army honors fallen soldier in clash with BIFF

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – An Army corporal who died in an encounter with Islamic State-linked Moro rebels was honored by the officers, men, and women of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID).

The Philippine flag flew at half-mast inside this camp since Monday, the home of the 6th ID, in honor of Corporal Virgilio Tabudlo of the 61st Division Reconnaissance Company.

Tabudlo was killed in a clash with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Malangog, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao on Sunday.

During the encounter, four BIFF men were also killed and government forces recovered high-powered firearms, explosives, and bomb components.

The offensive in Barangay Malangog was launched by the military after residents alerted authorities about the gathering of BIFF in the village.

Tabudlo was a member of the rapid deployment reconnaissance company of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion that was sent to Barangay Malangog to neutralize the bomb makers.

Brigadier Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID commander, lauded Tabudlo for his bravery and dedication as one of the division’s active military personnel.

Sobejana also lauded the local officials and residents for their vigilance in reporting to authorities the presence of lawless elements. (PNA)