CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The 58th Infantry “Dimalupig” Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division in Northern Mindanao on Tuesday posthumously promoted and hailed as a hero the leader of the patrol who died while pursuing a band of communist rebels in the hinterlands of Barangay Lumotan in Gingoog City last Sunday.

The army, in a statement, said 2nd Lieutenant John Paul Tua made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the people of Misamis Oriental.

"A brave warrior and patriotic leader, 1st Lieutenant John Paul B. Tua (Inf) PA of the 58th Infantry 'Dimalupig' Battalion made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the people in Misamis Oriental. Your courage, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to duty will forever be remembered," the statement said.

Tua was leading a team of Army Rangers on a combat patrol to verify sightings of armed men in Barangay Lumotan when they engaged in a firefight with communist rebels. During the skirmish, the soldiers accidentally disturbed a hive of wild bees, triggering an aggressive swarm that attacked the patrol.

The soldiers scattered in different directions for safety. When the team regrouped, Tua was missing. A search operation later found his body at the bottom of a cliff, with severe head and back injuries sustained while fleeing from the swarm.

Investigators ruled out foul play, as Tua’s firearm and personal belongings were intact at the scene.