By Francis T. Wakefield
An Army officer who died in the line of duty during the Marawi City crisis was awarded the Medal of Valor during the Armed Forces of the Philippines 82nd founding anniversary in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday.
President Duterte awarded the medal to Capt. Rommel Sandoval, then commander of the 11th Scout Ranger Co., for his courage, gallantry, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in Marawi.
Sandoval’s wife, Maria Ana, received the medal.
He is the 41st soldier to be awarded the AFP’s highest honor. Seventeen of them are still alive while the rest are deceased.
Newly installed AFP Public Affairs chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel R. Garcia said Sandoval was cited for “distinguishing himself in combat as he displayed extraordinary courage, bravery, sterling leadership, and professionalism by offering the greatest sacrifice of giving his life to a fellow comrade, thereby keeping with the finest tradition of soldiery.”
Sandoval and Private First Class Sherwin Canapi died while trying to save one of their wounded comrades, Corporal Jayson Mante, who was trapped in one of the buildings in the main battle area last Sept. 10.
Sandoval was also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu (Magalong Medal). Aside from him, 27 soldiers were conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu for their role in various military operations against threats groups, particularly the Maute-Islamic State Group and New People’s Army.