TWO soldiers from Negros Occidental died in a battle against the Maute rebels in Marawi City.
Recently killed in action were Corporal Arjelito Baroa, 29, a scout ranger from Barangay 3, San Carlos City, and Corporal Ariel Cenas Arquio of the 63rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, from Barangay Inayauan, Cauayan town.
Baroa was killed in a close encounter with the rebels at noon Thursday, August 3, while Arquio died on August 1.
Jose Dennis Baroa Jr. said his brother was hit by a sniper.
Baroa entered the military service in 2013. He was sent to Marawi three days after the war began last May as part of a test mission after he finished his schooling for promotion in Sulu.
Baroa was supposed to return home this week after he was granted a 45-day vacation to prepare for his wedding.
Baroa’s remains is scheduled to arrive on Friday, August 4, while Arquio’s cadaver already arrived on Wednesday and was already brought to his hometown.
Arquio was given military honors led by Lieutenant Colonel Darrell Bañez, commander of 62nd Infantry Battalion.
Captain Ruel Llanes, civil-military operations officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said they have no details on how Arquio died.
Arquio and Baroa were among the four fallen soldiers from Negros Occidental who fought in the war-torn city in Mindanao.
Staff Sergeant Joseph Villanueva of the 15th Infantry Battalion from La Castellana town and Private First Class Ramonito Occeña III, a scout ranger from Sipalay City, also died in battle on May 31 and July 25, respectively.