INDANAN, Sulu — The Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division has paid its final military tribute to Corporal Efren M. Lagmay of the 45th Infantry “Gallant” Battalion, who died on October 9 from injuries sustained during an armed ambush in Lamitan City, Basilan, a day earlier.
Lagmay, who was seriously wounded when armed men attacked a military truck along a highway in Barangay Sabong on October 8, was brought to a military hospital at the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) headquarters in Zamboanga City for treatment. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Upon the arrival of his remains at Jolo Airport, Lagmay was accorded full military honors in recognition of his service, courage, and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. A three-volley rifle salute was also rendered during his burial on October 11 in Sitio Gapus, Barangay Panabuan, Indanan, Sulu, marking the military’s final tribute to a soldier who had dedicated his life to his family and country.
In accordance with his Islamic faith and his family’s wishes, Lagmay was laid to rest following traditional Muslim burial rites.
Lt. Col. Genesis R. Gabrido, commanding officer of the 41st Infantry “Partner for Peace” Battalion, personally paid his respects to the fallen soldier, honoring his bravery, dedication, and selfless service to the Filipino people.
Born on September 18, 1991, in San Miguel, Echague, Isabela, Lagmay was remembered as a devoted husband, a beloved family member, and a respected comrade whose life reflected a commitment to both his family and military service.
The 11th Infantry Division extended its deepest condolences to Lagmay’s bereaved family, expressing solidarity with them as they endure the loss of their loved one. The division also reaffirmed its commitment to honoring fallen personnel and preserving the memory of their contributions to the nation.
“Though his life was tragically cut short, Cpl. Lagmay’s legacy of courage, patriotism, and selfless service will endure,” the division said in its tribute, emphasizing that his sacrifice would remain an inspiration to fellow Alakdan troopers as they continue their mission to protect the Filipino people.
Ambush Leaves Soldiers and Civilians Wounded
Lagmay’s death was the most serious outcome of an October 8 ambush that left other soldiers and two civilians wounded, highlighting the dangers faced by security personnel and ordinary residents amid renewed violence in Basilan.
Initial reports said soldiers from the 45th Infantry Battalion had departed from the port of Lamitan City and were traveling toward their battalion headquarters when armed men positioned along the highway in Barangay Sabong opened fire on their military truck.
The attack wounded several soldiers, including Lagmay, who was among three personnel airlifted by an Air Force helicopter to the military hospital in Zamboanga City because of the severity of their injuries. Other wounded soldiers were brought to Lamitan District Hospital for treatment.
Two civilians—a father, Daniel Hajim Onton, and his 10-year-old son, Erpan, a Grade 4 pupil—were also wounded after being caught in the crossfire while traveling in a multicab behind the military vehicle.
The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), through its Basilan Provincial Office, condemned the attack and expressed particular concern over the child’s injuries. The commission stressed that civilians must be protected from the effects of armed violence and subsequently initiated an investigation into the incident under applicable human rights and international humanitarian law standards.
The October 8 attack occurred just three days after another ambush in Sitio Bauno Dagao, Barangay Badja, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, on October 5. The earlier incident wounded government personnel, including soldiers and members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).
The consecutive attacks prompted heightened security concerns across the province, particularly regarding the safety of military personnel traveling along vulnerable road networks and civilians who may be caught in armed encounters.
Authorities have linked the incidents to a group allegedly led by Saddam Siddick, described in reports as a wanted criminal gang leader with past links to the now-defunct Abu Sayyaf Group. Investigators have also examined the possibility that the attacks were retaliatory, following a law enforcement operation in Lamitan City on September 29 that killed Nermalyn Musa, reportedly Siddick’s wife.
However, the precise circumstances, motives, and responsibility for the attacks remain subject to investigation. Authorities have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about the group’s capabilities or the intended targets of the ambushes.
Military Orders Intensified Pursuit Operations
Following the consecutive attacks, Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, acting commander of WestMinCom, directed military units in Basilan to intensify pursuit operations and gave commanders two weeks to deliver results.
The directive was issued after a security assessment meeting on October 9 involving leaders of the 11th Infantry Division, brigade commanders, and battalion commanders.
Cagara ordered troops to pursue those responsible, secure main supply routes, strengthen intelligence networks, coordinate closely with local government units, and improve operational security to reduce the vulnerability of personnel moving between locations.
He also underscored the importance of protecting civilians, particularly after the Lamitan ambush wounded a father and his young son.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Basilan, led by Governor Mujiv Hataman, convened a security coordination meeting on October 10 with the 1101st Infantry Brigade and other security stakeholders to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and prevent further violence.
The provincial government emphasized timely information-sharing, sustained dialogue, and coordinated security measures to protect communities and maintain peace and stability.
The BHRC has also called for accountability and strict civilian protection throughout military pursuit operations. It said it was coordinating with police authorities, assessing the condition and needs of victims, and processing possible assistance for eligible civilians under Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 4.
The commission further emphasized that efforts to apprehend those responsible must comply with the law and must not result in additional civilian casualties or human rights violations.
As military and law enforcement authorities continue their investigation and pursuit operations, Lagmay’s death stands as a painful reminder of the risks borne by soldiers in the performance of their duties—and of the devastating consequences armed attacks can inflict on innocent civilians.
For his family, the military honors in Sulu marked a final farewell to a husband and loved one whose life was cut short in service to the country. For his fellow soldiers, his sacrifice remains a solemn call to uphold their commitment to duty while ensuring that the protection of the Filipino people remains at the center of their mission.