AFP honors soldier who saved 20 flood victims in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday honored Private First Class Venancio Ancheta, the Army soldier who rescued 20 residents of Famy town in Laguna before being hit by a log and swept away by strong currents.

AFP chief Gen. Victor Ibrado and Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit and other top military officials paid their respects to the soldier, who died a hero during the onslaught of tropical storm “Ondoy.”

He was posthumously promoted to the rank of corporal and was awarded the bronze cross medal during the send-off ceremony for his remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

His wife Marilou accepted the award, as well as the P100,000 financial assistance.

“The entire AFP is mourning the death of Pfc. Ancheta, and the six others who perished while trying to save the lives of others,” Ibrado said.

For their heroic feat, 2nd Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Jorge Segovia has promised to build a monument on the exact site where they died.

Ancheta’s remains were flown yesterday to Zamboanga City where he would be buried.

“Here lies another man who showed us what love is at its supreme expression – dying for others, another hero who joined the ranks of many among us who served without reservation. Another life lived to be consumed by his burning desire to ensure that his fellowmen are safe,” an emotional Bangit said.

Cheryl Regua, the wife of Cpl. Adriano Regua, another soldier who died while trying to rescue a comrade, also recalled that while her husband was rescuing residents of Laguna, other soldiers were rescuing them in their house in Tanay, Rizal last Saturday.

Reaching safe ground late Saturday, Cheryl sent him a text message saying, “Buti na lang ligtas tayong lahat (It’s good we are all safe),” unaware of the tragedy that befell her husband.

But she said her consolation now comes from knowing that her husband died in the line of duty, so that others may live.

“Iyon naman talaga ang gusto niya eh (He would have wanted to die that way),” she said.

Five militiamen under Regua’s command also perished after being swept away by strong currents at the height of the storm.