Bontoc, Mtn. Prov. – A promising young soldier from Bauko, Mountain Province was laid to rest in his hometown last Tuesday. Police Officer 3 Daniel Taba-an Tegwa who was assigned with the Special Action Force (SAF) was among the brave Cordilleran soldiers who gave his life for the sake of peace in Marawi.
Tegwa, who is a step away from graduating from his Scout Ranger course was part of the government force that successfully killed the terrorist leaders in Marawi City. Sadly, hours after, the young soldier was hit by a sniper.
An alumni of Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC), he entered the PNP service in 2012 and finished his SAF Commando Course the following year.
In a short time of serving his country, he received several medal awards. These are the Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Mindanao, Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Visayas, Medalya ng Paglaban sa Manliligalig, Medalya ng Mabuting Asal, Medalya ng Kasanayan and Medalya ng Papuri.
He was the son of Baltazar B. Tegwa Sr. and Juana B. Taba-an. He is survived by his wife Rubilyn F. Tegwa and his two children.
PSSupt. Tellio C. Ngis-o, the Provincial Director of Mountain Province Police Provincial Office (MPPPO) acknowledged Tegwa as one of his men when he once headed a SAF Commando Unit in the South. He described Tegwa as an upright and conscientious soldier.
Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. acknowledged the fallen hero during his visit to pay his last respects.
“It came as a sad news, but God has a plan for all of us. The bereaved family is lucky and they must be proud because their son was a hero whose life was taken because he believed in a greater cause,” the governor said.
“The Provincial Government joins the bereaved family and the whole province in grieving for the loss of another son of Mountain Province who gave up his life to serve his country,” the chief executive added.
Gov. Lacwasan, with the usual support from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province, stated that the family of Tegwa will receive a financial assistance from the Provincial Government in the amount of P 30,000.00
Meanwhile retired Col. Paulo P. Pagteilan commended the young hero whose courage once again proved the gallantry of Cordillerans.
As a former member of the Armed Forces who was assigned in Mindanao, he attests that being in battle is tough and that anything could happen.
“I am saddened that one of our “kailiyan” gave the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of peace. He may not be walking with us anymore, yet, his selflessness and courage will always be remembered.” Pagteilan said.** Erwin S. Batnag, MP-PIO
