CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central paid tribute to two soldiers who were killed in a shooting incident in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on September 23, honoring their service with posthumous military awards during a solemn ceremony on September 25.
Corporal Jobert C. Labuson and Corporal John Mark C. Dumaguing, both members of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion under the 6th Infantry Division, were recognized for their dedicated service to the country and the Filipino people.
The posthumous military honors were conferred at the Camp Siongco Mortuary, with Brig. Gen. Ricky P. Bunayog, Acting Commander of the 6ID and JTF Central, and senior division officials leading the ceremony. The awards were received by the soldiers’ bereaved families, who were joined by their relatives and comrades in paying their final respects.
The ceremony came as the Army continued its support for the families of soldiers who died in the line of duty. Financial assistance was also immediately provided to the families of Labuson and Dumaguing as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ assistance to bereaved military families.
Bunayog expressed deep grief over the deaths while recognizing the two soldiers’ commitment to their duties.
“The 6ID and JTF Central deeply mourns the tragic loss of Corporal Labuson and Corporal Dumaguing—two dedicated soldiers who unselfishly answered the call of duty and faithfully served the Filipino people,” Bunayog said.
He described their deaths as a heavy loss to the command and vowed that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
“Their untimely passing is a heavy blow to the Command, but their courage and selfless service will forever remain in our hearts,” he said.
Bunayog also assured the families and fellow soldiers that authorities would pursue accountability for the shooting.
“To our fallen heroes, thank you for laying down your lives in defense of peace and public safety. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. We assure your grieving families, loved ones, and comrades that justice will be served, and we will not rest until the perpetrators of this cowardly act are held fully accountable,” he said.
Funeral rites were also held for the two soldiers before their remains were transported to their respective hometowns for burial.
Capt. Danilo F. Diaz II, Division Chaplain of the 6th Infantry Division, led the blessing of the remains during the solemn rites. The ceremony provided the soldiers’ comrades and families an opportunity to offer their final prayers and farewells before the remains began their journey home.
The 6ID and JTF Central strongly condemned the shooting and described the violence as unacceptable. The command said it was mobilizing available resources to identify and apprehend those responsible and ensure that they face the appropriate legal consequences.
The deaths of Labuson and Dumaguing have also drawn renewed attention to the risks faced by soldiers serving in areas where security operations and armed violence remain a continuing concern.
As their remains were brought back to their respective hometowns, their families, fellow soldiers and the Army community were left to mourn the loss of two servicemen whose military careers ended in a violent incident.
The 6ID said their service and sacrifice would continue to be remembered by the command and the communities they served.