Soldiers on mission vs communist rebels killed by lightning in Kalinga

BAGUIO CITY — Two soldiers on a mission against communist guerillas between the borders of Pasil and Lubuagan town in Kalinga were killed not by rebels but by a lightning last Sunday.

The Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division (ID) identified the two fatalities as Cpl. Andrew Monterubio of Gamu, Isabela and PFC Inmongog Aronchay of Sadanga, Mt. Province. 

The duo who were with other members of their platoon were reportedly on foot when the lightning struck killing the two.

Four other soldiers identified a Sgt. Dennis Bananao of Tanudan, Kalinga; PFC Melvin Danggalan of Paracelis, Mt. Province; PFC Abegil Awingan of Pinukpuk, Kalinga; and PFC Riel Angya of Pasil, Kalinga were also hurt.

“My heart bleeds for them,” Major General Audrey Pasia, commander of the 5th ID said. 

Pasia stressed that the sacrifice of the two will serve as an inspiration for the whole division.

 "Ang dalawang buhay na nasawi ng trahedya ay papalitan ng libu-libong sundalo na handang tanganin ang nabitawan nilang armas para ipagpatuloy ang sinumpaang ipagtanggol ang bandila ng Pilipinas at protektahan ang soberanya nito,” the military official said.