Army flies flag half-mast at Maguindanao HQ in memory of soldier killed in action

MAGUINDANAO — The Philippine flag at the headquarters of the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality flew at half-mast to commemorate the death of a Marine private who died in an encounter with the New People's Army (NPA) in the town of Kalamansig earlier this week.

Marine Private Albino Bahian III was accorded military honors in a ceremony on Wednesday, led by Major General Carlito Galvez, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Bahian's remains will be brought to his family in his hometown in Misamis Oriental.

Galvez also visited the other wounded soldiers, who were given financial assistance, as they continue to undergo treatment at Camp Siongco Station Hospital.

The wounded were identified as SSGT. Alexander Falcasantos, CPL. Joseph Accad, CPL. Castle Camu, CPL. Robert de Asis, CPL. Marlon Amapao, PFC. Kenneth Dave Calaycay, PFC. Glenn Genova, and PVT. Jared Suggil.

Galvez said pursuit operations are still ongoing against a certain Commander Tirso Sakudal (alias Commander Mac Mac) and his group, who were involved in the 20-minute encounter.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to visit the wake of Bahian in Misamis Oriental over the weekend, as well as to check on the situation of the 8 other soldiers wounded in the gun battle earlier this week.