Slain Scout Ranger’s kin laments signs of mutilation in Sulu clash
Credit to Author: ggaviola| Date: Mon, 04 Feb 2019 11:10:49 +0000
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – “My son died a hero, but he died with so much pain. He was brutally hacked,” said Roberto Lubiano, father of fallen Staff Sergeant Jerry Lubiano, one of five Scout Rangers killed in an encounter woth rebels in Sulu.
Roberto tried to hold back tears as he looked at the coffin of his fifth son.
The fallen soldier’s face was beyond recognition, his shattered arms and legs covered with packing tape.
“His body was covered with hack wounds, his neck was slashed by something sharp, these are the works of an animal,” Roberto said.
Three other slain Scout Rangers also showed signs of mutilation.
The military was tight-lipped as to how the five died and incurred hack wounds in a supposed encounter in Patikul, Sulu.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Mindanao Command advised the immediate families of five killed soldiers to refrain from giving statements to the media.
Roberto said his son was a hero of Marawi and received P100,000 cash, a 45 caliber pistol and a watch from President Duterte.
“He served there for 5 months since May and he received a Wounded Personnel Medal twice,” the grieving father said.
“Right now, we appeal to President Duterte for a continuous financial help,” he said.
“My son was still supporting us financially. With his death, we don’t know where to get financial support,” Roberto said.
They were informed that Duterte will try to find time to visit the bodies of killed in action rangers in Zamboanga City.
The bodies of Tanghal, Lubiano, Corporal Oliver Aquino, Corporal Reggie Draug and Private First Class John Paul Pascua lie in state at the La Naval Chapel of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao./ gsg