A family in Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur is facing a double tragedy after Army Corporal Aldrin T. Rondina was killed in an encounter in Cotabato, followed by the death of his one-month-old son hours later.
Rondina, a resident of Barangay Legarda Tres, Dinas, was a member of the Philippine Army. According to information shared by his family, he was killed during an encounter in the Alamada area of Cotabato on Sunday afternoon, August 9, 2026. The circumstances of the encounter, including the forces involved and the identity of the opposing group, were not provided in the information available.
The 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division confirmed Rondina’s death and expressed its condolences to his family, friends and fellow soldiers. In a statement, the division honored him for his courage, dedication and service, saying he made the “ultimate sacrifice” in the line of duty.
The soldier’s remains have since been brought home to Zamboanga del Sur, where his grieving family is preparing for his burial. His mother, Perlita Rondina, was reportedly overcome with emotion as the family mourned the loss of her son.
But before the family could begin coming to terms with Rondina’s death, another devastating loss struck.
The soldier’s youngest child, a one-month-old infant, was taken ill and brought to a hospital Tuesday night, according to information shared by the family. The baby died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 12, at around 4 a.m. The child’s remains are now also being attended to by the family.
The simultaneous loss of a father and his infant son has left the Rondina family grieving two deaths within a matter of days.
At present, the family is focused on arranging the final rites for Corporal Rondina while also dealing with the arrangements for his youngest child. Further details regarding the infant’s illness and the soldier’s encounter were not immediately available.
The Army’s 1st Infantry Division said Rondina’s service and sacrifice would be remembered by his fellow soldiers and the community he served.