From problem child to hero

THE Filipino member of the Israeli Defense Forces who was among 21 soldiers killed Monday in Gaza Strip was a problem child who had decided to turn around and do good, Israeli Ambassador to Manila Ilan Fluss said yesterday.

“He was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Israel with his mother at the age of two,” Fluss said referring to Sergeant First Class (Reserves) Cydrick Garin.

“In Israel he dropped out of school, and began to deteriorate and engage in illegal activities. Five cases were opened against him by the police,” Fluss said.

Garin’s turning point in life, according to Fluss, came when he saw how his mother cried when he was arrested by the police for violence one night.

“He later told about the moment that was the turning point in his life. After that, he enlisted in the IDF. Before he ended his military service, he received a certificate of excellence,” the envoy said.

He also said the embassy facilitated the travel from the Philippines of Garin’s father, Enrico Cruz Basilio, Wednesday to attend the funeral of his son.

“Yesterday the embassy of Israel in Manila, led by defense attaché Raz Shabtay, assisted Mr Enrico Cruz Basilio in getting to Israel on time for the funeral of his brave son Cydrick Garin. Cydrick was an IDF soldier, a Filipino Israeli hero fighting the Hamas in Gaza,” Fluss said.

“I personally accompanied Mr Basilio to the NAIA airport and made sure he leaves safely to join the family and so many friends in Israel for the funeral of Cydrick,” he added.

Twenty-four IDF members were killed Monday as intense fighting raged in the central and southern Gaza Strip, where Israel has been attacking the remaining strongholds of Hamas, and trying to clear areas near the border.

The IDF said it was in one of the border areas where the 21 soldiers, including Garin, were killed when the building they were in collapsed after being hit by a massive explosion.

Three other IDF soldiers were killed on the same day in a different area in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has vowed that his country will not stop fighting until Hamas is defeated.

Netanyahu said the country’s campaign is meant to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of