Mankayan, Benguet , Philippines – The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet who drowned after saving his brother and uncle was buried in the front yard of his grandfather’s home in Sitio Batbato, Mankayan, Benguet last Monday.
Bryx Lee Betong was posthumously awarded the Bronze Cross medal for his act of heroism.
The Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines also extended financial assistance to Betong’s family.
The 19-year-old cadet, who was on vacation from his schooling at the National Defense College of Japan, was on a family outing at a mini-irrigation dam in Sitio Baongan, Comillas South Cervantes when the incident occurred.
“Though his life was cut short, he has lived it fully well. He is a hero, to the cadet corps and to us. He loved his family and he showed this when he readily and unselfishly put himself at risk to save his sibling and uncle who were in danger. He, like many of our heroic soldiers in the field, gave the ultimate sacrifice, so that others may live,†said PMA superintendent Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino.