Private First Class Manuel Tayaban is one of our recent heroes who lost his life because of the ongoing conflict in Basilan. He is reportedly from Asin in Tuba, Benguet. His sacrifice and heroism will hopefully help our country find the peace that it deserves.

Our condolences to PFC Tayaban’s family.

PFC Joel Changiwan, a soldier who may also be from the Cordilleras, is among those injured in the war.

You might want to check out these following news reports about the current conflict in Mindanao: Philippine Daily Inquirer and GMA Network. Here’s an excerpt from the GMA report:

In Fort Bonifacio, enlisted Marine personnel carried 13 caskets along the main road of the Marine brigade headquarters towards the Philippine Navy gymnasium while a band played.

The slain soldiers were taken from the Veronica Funeral Chapel in Pasay City to the headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Radio station dzBB reported that first to be brought inside the covered gymnasium were 1st Lieutenant Ludwig Salvador, 2nd Lieutenants Jeffrey Leoveras, Eugene Machise Pinera, and Roldan Somera.

Following them were the caskets that carried Privates First Class Manuel Tayaban Jr, Michael Aoigan, Julius Jove, Ursolo Torres, Peary Simeros, Eril Labares, Rodan Baroy, Danilo Vergara, Virgilio Domingo III, Reynaldo Reposo.

The report also said that fellow Marine soldiers went out of their quarters and stood on surrounding streets of the headquarters to give a final salute to their colleagues.

The report added that also present in the ceremony were the families of the 13 Marine soldiers, who will eventually decide until when they want their loved ones to be laid in state at the Marine headquarters.

We join the marines in saluting their fellow marines.

RELATED: Sgt. Michael Tayaotao; For Those Who Served and Died. INFO SOURCE: Inquirer.