TADIAN, Mountain Province – The remains of Pat. Franklin Togmey Marquez was laid to rest in his hometown in Barangay Balaoa, this town on Nov. 27.
Marquez, together with Pat. Jimmy Caraggayan of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan were killed in action while four others were wounded when they were hit by an improvised explosive device after engaging with an undetermined number of New Peoples Army rebels in Gamay, Northern Samar.
The rookie police officers were among the police students undergoing the Special Action Force Commando Course (SAFCC) when they were attacked by the rebels.
Before being brought home last Nov. 24, Marquez’ remains were brought to his mother unit at the Camp Major Dennis Molintas in Bangao, Buguias, Benguet where the Benguet Provincial Police Office and the First Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st Benguet PMFC) honored him for his bravery.
Rev. Fr. Lt/Col. Jonathan Chy later officiated a eucharistic mass.
BPPO Director, Col. Reynaldo Pasiwen, and Lt/ Col. Stephen Antonio, head of the 1st Benguet PMFC, expressed grief for losing a young personnel who was just seeking to improve his skills by cross training into other more specialized unit.
PNP Chief Director General Dionardo Carlos earlier awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan to the SAF police students during the arrival of their remains at the Ninoy Aquino International AirportMonday.
He offered condolences to the families and condemned the local communist movement for the latest acts of violence on government forces.
“We express our condolences to the families of Pat. Franklin Marquez and Pat. Jimmy Caraggayan. Our snappy salute to the bravery they have shown. They were killed in the line of duty defending our country against insurgency. We would want to recognize the valor of four other troop members who were injured during the firefight,” Carlos said.
The provincial government of Mountain Province headed by Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan also condoled with the families of the SAF officers.
“The officialdom and people of Mountain Province, condole with the bereaved family of Patrolman Franklin Marquez. As we pray for the repose of the soul of Pat. Marquez, we also pray for those he had left behind. May God give them strength and comfort as they grieve for the loss of their loved one,” the LGU said in a social media post. – Redjie M. Cawis
