AFP chief extols bravery of soldier who was hurt five times during battle

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. on Saturday rallied troops of the Philippine Army to sustain the military’s gains against all enemies of the state as he cited the heroism and passion of serve of a member of the elite Scout Ranger.

In addressing the Army troops during his first visit to Fort Bonifacio after he was appointed as AFP chief, Galvez particularly cited SSgt. Antonino Basa, of the Army’s elite Scout Ranger, was wounded five times during last year’s Marawi City siege.

Galvez particularly remembered how he first met Basa, then wounded and confined at the military’s Zamboanga Station Hospital but tried very hard to render his snappy salute with a wounded arm.

The AFP chief stressed that the sacrifices of Basa and all military personnel inspire others as he vowed he will provide all necessary support for the troops to accomplish their mission.

“The unfathomable sacrifices of our soldier’s blood, sweat and tears will not be put in vain,” said Galvez, who was welcomed by Army chief Lt. Gen. Joselito Bautista during the visit.

“As the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I will ensure that all your requirements in your operation will be provided to facilitate the accomplishment of your mission,” Galvez added.

Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, Army spokesman, said the AFP chief was touched by Basa’s courage and passion to serve in the frontline.

“He (Galvez) was truly touched by the soldier’s gesture. He averred that despite of his (Basa’s) condition, wherein he can barely lift his arm due to sustained wounds still attempted to render a snappy salute,” said.

Villanueva said that Basa was wounded five times during the Marawi City siege laid by Islamic State-inspired terrorists, led by Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and the dreaded Maute brothers of the Maute-IS group.

“In one instance, Basa directly dropped his body over an improvised explosive device (IED) just to protect his fellow Rangers during the height of Marawi campaign,” Villanueva said.

“But still his bravery and courage to drop to the IED is remarkable,” Villanueva said.

Basa’s combat exploits did not stop in Marawi City, Villanueva said that after recuperating from his wounds, Basa’s unit was reassigned to Sulu and he joined his comrades in February.

Sometime in March, Basa was again wounded in another encounter with terrorist Abu Sayyaf group. He is currently recuperating at the Zamboanga Station Hospital.

“He is indeed a hero and an inspiration to all of us who want to serve our country and protect our peace-loving people,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva said the AFP chief, who is an accomplished Army officer prior to his appointment as AFP chief, rallied the Army troops to sustain the military’s momentum against all enemies of the state, particularly the terrorists.

As commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Galvez led the military’s victory against the IS-inspired terrorists and liberated Marawi City last October.

Galvez awarded Gold Cross medals to an Army officer and six enlisted personnel; five Silver Cross Medals to two officers and three enlisted personnel and three Military Merit Medals to one officer and two EP – who all contributed to the liberation of Marawi City.

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