The encounter that occurred between the military and Abu Sayyaf Group on June 2, 2001 in Basilan created controversies. But behind all of this hullabaloo, we should also focus our attention on the soldiers who displayed heroism and sacrificed their lives in this particular incident.

"To die in the battlefield is an honorable death. We were not prepared when the incident happened but I encouraged my men to fight until their last breath. . .CPT GUINOLBAY proudly said as he recalled the tragic clash with the enemy.

It was a Saturday morning when CPT GUINOLBAY, along with his 70-member unit of 1st Scout Ranger, PA were on their way to the Philippine Army Brigade based in Basilan when suddenly, they were ambushed by a heavily armed Abu Sayyaf Group. The ambush occurred in front of St. Peter's Church in Lamitan, Basilan.

At that time, CPT GUINOLBAY's group was not prepared for battle. They were in administrative movement and lacked firearms, ammunitions and communication equipment. The ASG, while hiding on the walls of the church, was constantly firing on them. Snipers picked our soldiers one by one.

The Army officer estimated that the group was carrying more sophisticated firearms with them, hence, the fierce provocation. He narrated, "inulan na kami ng bala so we didn't have a choice but to fight back. I told my men that we have to move and we have to prepare ourselves."

The situation was not an ideal time to fight according to CPT GUINOLBAY. Surprised by the ambush, de decided to go for it and engage the enemy despite the fact they were not ready. They just came from training in Southern Luzon and did not expect that bullets lay in wait for them.

CPT GUINOLBAY tearfully recalls the most painful part of the incident. "The situation was very chaotic. It was the first time I saw my men fall in combat. When I touched the head of one of my men, I felt and then realized that his head has been reduced by half. I was carrying him with his brain spilling out on the pavement. I was crying while I carried my wounded men.

Even CPT GUINOLBAY did not expect that he would survive. "Patay na kung patay," he had said to himself. In the midst of battle, he did not know whom to help first. Some of his wounded men were calling his name for help, while some were already giving up and were delirious. But CPT GUINOLBAY tried to calm his men and told them that they could make it. He helped his injured men one by one and dragged them to safety. He encouraged his men to hold on.

But he would never forget the moment when in the middle of the firefight, he saw one of his men instantly killed with two of them even asking his permission to die. In all, CPT GUINOLBAY lost four men while eight other rangers whom he had personally trained were wounded during the entire battle. "There was a special bonding among us during the training and we became so much like brothers…" he sadly recalled.

After the incident, CPT GUINOLBAY became even more committed to his profession as a soldier. He learned from his experience and promised himself to strive harder for the sake of the country and people he is serving.

But with all the praises and commendations he has received for the gallantry he displayed during the Lamitan encounter, the Army officer wants more than these. He asks for understanding, cooperation and support from the civilian populace especially now that the investigations regarding the military-ASG connivance are on going.

"I ask the people to support the AFP. Madalas kaming nami-misinterpret. They do not know that they are the main reason behind all our sacrifices. They should understand us and look on our good side, instead of putting us down and criticize our performance. Do not judge the soldiers easily especially with what happened in Lamitan. You should see what really transpired in that incident para maliwanagan kayo," he said.

CPT GUINOLBAY was the course director of Scout Ranger class 142 whose members made up of the unit that was waylaid by the Abu Sayyaf in Lamitan. After graduating from the prestigious Philippine Military Academy in 1994, CPT GUINOLBAY immediately joined the Scout Rangers, the Army's elite fighting force and held many assignments under the different Scout Ranger Companies.

The heroism of CPT RUBEN B GUINOLBAY during the Lamitan, Basilan encounter serves as an inspiration and encouragement to other soldiers. He is truly an honor and pride of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

"I pray for the day when our people are happy whenever they see soldiers . . . that would really warm our hearts knowing that they have trust in us that they could rely on us anytime and anywhere. They fail to understand today. . ." he concluded.