IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – A fallen soldier from the ill-fated C-130 crash was finally laid to rest and was given a hero’s burial by the troops of the 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB), 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID), Philippine Army yesterday, July 12, 2021 at Brgy. Maligaya, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Family, relatives, and friends of Private (Pvt) Mel Mark Angana, 26, attended the ceremony which was offered for his soul’s eternal repose. His emotional mother Amalia Angana accepted the Philippine Flag from 1LT Jerome Peñas, Personnel Officer of 8IB, as a symbol of her son’s honor, patriotism, and bravery.
Soldiers also offered a 21-gun salute during the military funeral honors as a tribute to the sacrifice of their fallen colleague.
Meriam Angana, sister of Pvt Angana, emotionally expressed, “Sa ngalan sa akong inahan ug sa among pamilya, ako nagapasalamat kay President Duterte, Senator Bong Go ug sa kasundalohan nga walay puas nga mihatag og tabang kanamo aron mapahiluna ang akoang igsuon.” (On behalf of my mother and our family, I am very thankful to President Duterte, Senator Bong Go and to all the soldiers who gave their untiring support in order for my brother to finally rest in peace.)
LTC Edgardo Talaroc Jr, Commander 8IB said that, “8IB sends its deepest condolences to the family and relatives of Pvt Angana. They will always be included in our prayers.” “He may have left us for good but his memories and legacy as a hero will surely remain.”
BGen Ferdinand Barandon, Commander, 403rd Infantry Brigade, also expressed, “Today we honor and remember the sacrifice of Pvt Angana for our country and its people. We will ensure that the necessary assistance will be given to the bereaved family.”
It can be recalled that Pvt Angana was included in the C-130 mishap at Patikul, Sulu last July 4, 2021.
