Quote:

 

OFFICER'S LAST WORDS

First Lt. Vladimir Maninang, 27, witnessed life’s hardship even at a young age. As a child, he helped his father tend their farm and raise pigs to provide for his poor family. He was a consistent honor student in school. After graduating from high school he was admitted to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and subsequently became a member of the PMA Maragtas Class of 2007.

After four years of military service, he had decided to marry his girlfriend. His “pamamanhikan” (traditional engagement ceremony of Filipinos) had been set.

But all the plans he had built for years to have a family of his own vanished in a flash in that bloody clash between government forces and the MILF rebels last Oct. 18 in Basilan, which also snuffed out the dreams of 18 other soldiers.

1LT. Maninang was one of the Officers on the ground leading our Scout Rangers and Special Forces who was killed in action that day. 1LT. Maninang was the last Commanding Officer who died during the encounter and his voice was the last transmission heard on the Radio although he's mortally wounded He did not panic and did His job as an Officer. He clearly Radioed their location and instructed the Air Support in targeting the enemies.

First Lt. Vladimir Maninang's last words recorded on the Radio before he was killed by the Rebels was:

" PASENSYA NA. THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY MEN. OVER AND OUT "