By Ma. Irish Joy M. Sabio, Intern

A Negrense soldier, killed in action while battling terrorists in Marawi City, was laid to rest in Sipalay City over the weekend.
The soldier, 27-year-old Private First Class (PFC) Ramonito Occeña, a member of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, and resident of Barangay Manlucahoc Proper, Sipalay City, was given full military honors during his memorial service.
Occeña was initially shot last June 4 and was one of the wounded soldiers President Rodrigo Duterte visited at the hospital.
He returned to the front lines the following week, on June 15.
Occeña was killed in action on July 25 after being fatally shot by a sniper of the Islamic State-backed Maute terror group.
Occeña’s commanding officer in Mindanao also forwarded a recommendation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to posthumously promote him to the rank of corporal for his gallantry and steadfast dedication./WDJ