World · Philippines Bureau
Philippine Army honors fallen soldier in Sulu with full military rites
Corporal Efren Lagmay of the 45th Infantry Battalion was accorded full military and Islamic honors following his death from combat wounds. The soldier succumbed to injuries sustained during an ambush in Basilan.
LSN Philippines ·
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — The Philippine Army's 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division held full military and Islamic funeral rites for Corporal Efren Lagmay, who died from injuries sustained in a hostile engagement in Basilan.
Lagmay, assigned to the 45th Infantry "Gallant" Battalion, was wounded during an ambush in Lamitan City on October 8 and succumbed to his injuries on Friday, October 9.
The ceremonial tribute, conducted in Sulu province, reflected the armed forces' recognition of the soldier's sacrifice and service. The provision of Islamic honors acknowledged the diverse religious composition of the Philippine military and underscored the military's respect for fallen personnel of all faiths.
The incident marked another casualty in ongoing security operations in Mindanao, where military units continue counterinsurgency efforts against armed groups. The 45th Infantry Battalion, part of the 11th Infantry Division's operational structure, maintains a significant presence in the volatile region.