• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The heroic act of an Army soldier saved the life of a minor during a recent armed encounter in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed that PFC Hedges Matutina demonstrated unimaginable heroism while under fire during a gunbattle with remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front in Barangay Macasilao, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Calaoagan said that PFC Matutina rescued a minor who was threatened with a gun by one of the rebels that were encountered by his troops.
Disregarding his own safety, PFC Matutina successfully managed to snatch the minor while returning fire at the rebels, securing her safety, amidst the unfolding chaos, he added.
“Our soldiers are not only trained for combat but also to protect those who are defenseless. PFC Matutina’s courage and compassion embody the spirit of the Masaligan Troopers,” Calaoagan said.
The rebel remnants encountered by 79IB soldiers were reportedly led by Roger Fabillar, alias Arnel Tapang, who has a P1 million bounty for his arrest. He is facing multiple murder charges in court, according to the 79IB.
For saving the life of a minor, the granting of an award has been recommended to PFC Matutina.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by innocent civilians amidst conflict, underscoring the importance of efforts to bring about lasting peace, Calaogan said in a statement issued by 79IB.*
