Slain Army men in Basilan clash with Sayyaf honored

SAN QUINTIN, Pangasinan , Philippines   – Army Lt. Dell Jhun Evangelista died leading his men against a superior force of Abu Sayyaf and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters, according to his commanding officer.

The 25-year-old Pangasinense died with 22 other soldiers in fierce fighting in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan last Thursday.

The Army will bestow the highest honor on Lieutenant Evangelista, a member of Philippine Military Academy “Mandala” Class of 2006.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Evangelista (no relation) of the Army’s Light Reaction Battalion said Lieutenant Evangelista and his men were able to kill around 20 of the enemy and recovered 17 high-powered firearms, including five machine guns and two rocket-propelled grenades, which had been taken from the Marines.

“It was extraordinary and beyond the call of duty,” he said.

“They were met by an overwhelming force but still he displayed gallantry and led his troops despite being hit by enemy fire.”

Lieutenant Evangelista and his men were sent on that fateful day to reinforce the Marines who were locked in a fierce firefight with the Abu Sayyaf.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, who visited Lieutenant Evangelista’s wake in his hometown, described the events that led to the young soldier’s death like a scene from an epic movie.

“They were working in coordination with the other units during the series of encounters,” he said.

“Usually the command and control comes from higher authorities in such situations, but last Thursday, they were on their own and fought a good fight.

“On the last part of our oath, it says ‘To all these, we pledge our life, our loyalty and our sacred honor.’ Lieutenant Evangelista lived up to that oath, and it is not only bravery that he displayed, it is heroism.”

Bangit said Evangelista’s death is a big loss to the Army as they might never find an officer like him again.

However, Lieutenant Evangelista’s death was a bigger loss to his family.

His father Fidel, 57, said the lieutenant, the fourth of six siblings, supported the family and took charge of major responsibilities.

“He was our protector and provider,” he said.

“He generously helped his siblings the best he could. It’s really going to be tough for us.”

Fidel said the thought that his son gave his life for peace in Mindanao is the only thing that comforts their family.

“My son lived up to his sworn oath before the flag,” he said.

“My son died so that others may live in peace and that’s what comforts us in this time of pain and grief.”

Denver, the lieutenant’s brother, said before taking the Philippine Military Academy entrance examination, his brother worked as a stevedore at the pier, having had to stop school for a year after graduating from high school because of lack of money.

Denver said when his brother enrolled at St. Louis University in Baguio City, he advised him to avail of free education at the PMA.

After a semester at SLU, he took the PMA examination, Denver added.

Lieutenant Evangelista’s girlfriend, Dr. Faith Ruem Buen, said she is proud of him and would continue to leave a special place in her heart for him.

“He told me he was going to be busy. I never thought that it would be the last,” she said.

The last time she talked with him was a day before that fierce encounter with the Abu Sayyaf and the MILF.

On Saturday, Lieutenant Evangelista will be buried with full military honors, along with Lt. Chester Barela, executive officer of the 4th Scout Ranger Company who also perished in that encounter in Basilan. – With Eva Visperas, Cesar Ramirez