Igorot cop killed in CNT attack in N. Samar laid to rest
By Redjie Melvic Cawis
TADIAN, Mountain Province (PIA) — The remains of Patrolman Franklin Togmey Marquez was laid to rest in his hometown in Barangay Balaoa, in this town on Saturday (Nov. 27).
Marquez together with Patrolman 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 CPP-NPA terrorists last Nov. 20 at Barangay Lonoy 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 communist terrorist group (CNT).
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. A eucharistic mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. PLtCol. Jonathan Chy.
Benguet Provincial Director PCol. Reynaldo Pasiwen and PLtCol. Stephen Antonio, head of the 1st Benguet PMFC, in their eulogy expressed grief for losing young personnel who is just seeking to improve his skills by cross-training into other more specialized units.
PNP Chief General Dionardo Carlos earlier awarded Medalya ng Kadakilaan or the PNP Heroism Medal to the fallen SAF police students during the arrival of their remains at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City on Monday. 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 at 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.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Mountain Province headed by Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan also condoled with the bereaved families of the SAF officers.
“We, the officialdom and people of Mountain Province, deeply condole with the bereaved family of Patrolman Franklin Marquez of Balaoa, Tadian who perished on November 20, 2021, as a result of a firefight with Communist Terrorist Group in Barangay Lonoy, Gamay, Northern Samar. 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. (JDP/RMC-PIA-CAR) (photos from Benguet PPO 1st PMFC)
