DAVAO CITY, Philippines — He lived and died with his code “Daredevil” but his heroic act of dying to save his men is never forgotten.
Yesterday, December 20, no less than President Rodrigo Duterte recognized his heorism- his bereaved wife received the highest military honor-“the medal of valor”-the nation’s highest combat decoration.
Army Captain Rommel Sandoval, the commander of the 11th Scout Ranger Company was known as “Daredevil’ not just because he knew his fight but because he dared to do what is unexpected and dangerous to save lives.
Sandoval is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 2005, he is the 41st soldier in the history to receive the award.
His men were caught in the middle of fire while on clearing operations inside the main battle area where the Land bank is located.
When Sandoval saw Corporal Jayson Mante was hit he ordered his men to provide cover fire as he ran to save his man.
Military sources said Sandoval was known for doing the unexpected for taking dangerous task.
When they left for the Marawi assignment, Sandoval reportedly made a vow that no one among his men will die in Marawi.
Sandoval’s troop were assigned to retake the Maute-ISIS stronghold, a mission they succeeded but it costs his life.
The Medal of Valor Ana Rosario Sandoval in an interview with Rappler said “Walang sapat para sa buhay ng asawa ko, kailangan ko isapuso ang sakripisyo na ginawa niya. This serves (the award) as reminder for me and also to inspire a low of Filipinos about his heroism.”
Scout Rangers described Sandoval as a soldier who protect his men “likas kay late Captain Sandoval ang protektahan ang tao niya, dinapaan na lang niya ang wounded na tao niya para si late Rommel na lang ang sumagip ng bala.”
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