By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The remains of a Negrense member of the elite Philippine Army Scout Rangers who was killed in a clash with Islamic extremists in Mindanao last week have finally returned home and reunited with his family and friends.

The remains of Sergeant Jungie Dizon of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion were accorded full military honors upon arrival at the Bacolod-Silay Airport last Tuesday, September 28.

According to the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB), who accorded the honors to the soldier, Dizon was killed in action during a gun battle with insurgents of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Shariff Saysona Mustapha in Maguindanao last September 23.

Based on the official report released by the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, Dizon and several other soldiers were dispatched to Shariff Saysona Mustapha after receiving reports of the BIFF’s presence in the area.

Dizon was killed in the subsequent clash, while two other BIFF insurgents were also killed in the fight.

The 79IB said Dizon’s remains were brought back to his home in Barangay Pandanon Silos in the town of Murcia, and provided with vigil guards during his wake.

The 79IB also offered their condolences to the family of Dizon./DGB, WDJ