ILAGAN, Isabela, Philippines – The province is mourning the death of its two sons who were killed along with 17 other Army soldiers in a clash with Moro guerrillas in Basilan Tuesday.
At Camp Melchor de la Cruz, home of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division in Gamu town this province, the Philippine flag was raised half-mast to mourn the killing of Isabelinos 1Lt. Vladimir Maninang, who belonged to Philippine Military Academy Class 2007, and Pfc. Dennis Bulan, son of a farming couple in Barangay Capo this town.
Maj. Gen. Rommel Gomez, 5th ID commander, said the incident is a “result of a divided country.” “This is a tragic development,” he said.
For his part, former Cagayan Valley police director Francisco Villaroman said, “All of them died too young yet the nation does not care too much for the heroism and patriotism they displayed... My salute and prayers to them.”
Villaroman said Maninang and fellow PMAer 1Lt. Delfin Khee (Class 2010) died with their men in the clash. Khee is the brother of Lt. Erren Khee, deputy chief of the 5th ID’s Civil Military Operations.