A story of bravery and families, 22 years later

POSTED BY: Lionell Go Macahilig
2023-11-30 00:37:48 PHT

November 30 is a national holiday in the Philippines, commemorating the birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio—a Filipino revolutionary hero known as the "Supremo", a fitting title for his contributions to the history of our country.

Two days before the 30th, another story of bravery is being remembered by those who witnessed it. It may not hold national importance, but it is significant enough for the families who were saved by the soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Nov. 27, 22 years ago.

In 2001, then 2nd Lt. Jo-Ar A. Herrera of the 57th Infantry Battalion, along with his men, faced a firefight against the Misuari Renegade Group that had taken two families hostage in Barangay Cabatangan in Zamboanga City.

Their mission was clear: to save the men, women, and children—including a two-month-old infant—who had been captured by the Misuari Renegade Group for six long hours.

"It wasn't our first time experiencing that kind of encounter. We were always prepared for battle, no matter how long it took. But at that time, every minute that passed felt like an eternity, especially since we were thinking about the suffering of the Delos Santos and Corpus families' children," said then 2nd Lt. Jo-Ar Herrera, who later became the Battalion Commander of the 53rd Infantry Battalion in Zamboanga Peninsula.

"Our mindset then was to save the families and do it as quickly as possible, without any casualties, because it's never right for children to experience and witness a firefight," added Herrera.

Then 2nd Lt. Herrera successfully led his men on a mission that resulted in the release of the Delos Santos and Corpus families, as well as the surrender of the remaining rebels.

"It is our sworn duty to protect the country and our fellowmen. More than two decades have passed since the events in Barangay Cabatangan, and we continue to carry out our mission every day to ensure that no more families have to experience being in the midst of a conflict like that," the officer said.