MANILA, Philippines - The family and friends of the soldiers who died in Al-Barka, Basilan more than a week ago continue to call for justice for their brutal deaths.
Private First Class Ervin Dequito, one of the 19 soldiers killed by forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, was laid to rest at 12 o'clock noon Sunday in their farm in Central Dinganen, in the town of Buldon, Maguindanao.
His family, relatives and friends continue to mourn his death. His colleagues from the 8th Special Forces Company based in Monte Vista, Compostella Valley gave military honors and handed over the Philippine flag to Dequito's immediate family.
Dequito also left a woman he was supposed to marry someday. His girlfriend Rean Caballero said the night before the clash in Basilan took place, they still had a phone conversation.
"Parang confident din sila nang pumunta sila doon sa Basilan, kasi sabi nga niya napostpone ang graduation nila nung October 15 tapos sinabi niya na sa 21 na raw, hindi rin nila alam na doon pala sila pupunta sa Basilan at kung ano ang gawin nila doon," she said.
Capt. Jason Pangundoyon, Commanding Officer of the 8th SF Company personally handed the flag to Dequito's father and said that he is proud of what his soldier has shown to the Filipino people.
In Tupi, South Cotabato, meanwhile, Private First Class Garry Colonia was also brought to his final resting place.
His family and friends are also crying for justice. They said it is unfair for a 26-year old to meet an early death.
Nonetheless, they said his death will not go for naught as long as the government will be able to track down those who should be liable.
PFC Roberto Ricafranca, on the other hand, was also buried by family and friends in Dumanggas, Iloilo.
His brother, Sgt. Michael Ricafranca, said: "Dapat sana sumuko na sila kung hindi man dapat habulin ng gobyerno."
His wife, Rea, said: “Kung kasalanan sa Dyos ang pumatay, kung magkaharap kami, gagawin ko rin sa kanila yung brutal na pagpatay nila sa asawa ko.”
The family of PFC Jonis Rigor is still dumbfounded over the incident, on the other hand. Rigor was brought to his final resting place in Dagupan on Saturday.
He was supposed to be on his way home from a scuba diving class, but fate turned out differently.
Iron fist needed?
Dequito's family is also urging President Benigno Aquino III to use an iron fist in giving justice to the soldiers who have died in the conflict.
Emelita Dequito, his mother, also said the commander responsible for sending the government troops to combat should learn from his mistakes.
"Sa ground commander, sana huwag na sana itong mangyari ulit at matulad sa iba ang nangyari sa anak ko..at sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas, kay Pangulong Aquino, ikaw ang may power sa bansa pero bakit ganito ang nangyari?" she said.
His uncle, Rodolfo Dimzon, also said that the young generations will no longer pursue their dreams of becoming soldiers if justice will not be served.
"Nakakahiya hindi natin sila makaya, baka ang mga bata na gusto maging sundalo paglaki nila, hindi na magtuloy sa kanilang pangarap dahil sa nangyari," Rodolfo said.
The families will continue to seek justice for the untimely deaths of the 19 soldiers and calls for Aquino and Presidential Adviser Teresita Deles to end the conflict in Mindanao. – by Lora Mae Andong, Ernest Vidal, Anne Santos and John Fernandez, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group
