All The WOW News in Cordillera

Thursday, December 5, 2019

READ: The Cordilleran soldier who single-handly killed 27 rebels in a 3-day intense firefight


Cordillera - This is the story of Lieutenant Colonel Herbert D. Dilag who received the highest Military Award in the Armed Forces on the Philippines (AFP). A story of  unparalleled bravery,  exceptional heroism, and highest degree of leadership coming from a Cordilleran warrior.

"In April of 2000, 2 Suicide Squads composing of 14 volunteer scout rangers were formed to attack the 210 fully armed members of thee Abu Sayaff Group who were holding 28 hostages at the notorious 898 Hill inside Camp Abdurajak. The young and dashing 2Lt. Dilag volunteered himself to be the Team Leader of the other suicide squad.
Photo Courtesy || Kalinga Tourism, Philippines
Uncertain of what could happen to them, the members of the Squads, left their valuables to their supporting comrades to be further given to their love ones, in anticipation of their deaths. The Squad headed by 2Lt. Herbert Dilag rushed-up the 30-meter 80-degree slope and bypassed 48 enemy improvised landmines. With cunning stealth, the "Suicide Squads" were able to secure and clear the area.
The 3 day intense firefight resulted to the killing of 68 member of the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the recovery of the unharmed hostages.
The 14 Ranger man team suffered massive casualties but 2Lt. Dilag carried his men one by one and place them to a safe location while he single-handly stand his ground and act as the team one sniper shooting the enemy mortar operator and machine gunners. 2Lt. Dilag killed 27 rebels during the assault which resulted in the demoralization of the enemies forcing them to back down and paved the way for the main troops to finally secure the area.
By this display of exceptional courage and a high degree of leadership, SECOND LIEUTENANT DILAG distinguished himself in combat, keeping the finest tradition of Filipino Soldiery. He was awarded MEDAL OF VALOR the highest award in the AFP for bravery. 


2Lt. Dilag's statement while he teared up upon receiving the MEDAL OF VALOR awarded by the President of the Philippines.
"We woke up at 2:00 then we took off. We hadn't slept and it was raining. Our progress was slow due to the thick jungle growth. When we engaged the enemy, we had to use one hand to hold unto tree roots, while the other hand fired the weapon. For 24 hours we withstood the steep terrain, hunger, tension and fatigue.  Then you would hear the groans of your wounded comrades saying, 'Sir, let's retreat, I'm suffering blood loss. My wounds hurt, will I live sir', words to that effect. You will then discover that you do have an untapped reservoir of courage." 

Source ||
Uncommon True Valor Story of 2Lt Herbert D. Dilag
by Lt. Col Ruben Guinolbay, Medal of Valor Nominee
Via Kalinga Tourism, Philippines Facebook Page
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20 Comments:

clarita c Jacobs said...

Wow what a soldier!!!salute to you Lt Dilag💖you're indeed the valor of Philippine soldiery

Unknown said...

Thank you sir. You did yuh our duty and earned every bit of that medal. I salute you!

Unknown said...

This had happened last 2000 and is it only now to be posted here. I have posted it on my account long time ago. If it was so then this site, the Cordillera. Com must be more critical and efficient in data gathering specially this kind of highest honors achieved the sons and daughters of Cordillera.

GkKai05 said...

Proud iKalinga herr

Anonymous said...

Even if this 2000, Cordillera can re-post and re post so the younger generations will know the heroic accomplishment of Cordillera Soldiers.

Unknown said...

GOD bless you sir Herbert D.Dilag and your family

Unknown said...

The pride of the cordillerans.... the future afp chief of staff someday. Godbless sir.

Leo Marloe said...

God Bless sir.. sapay kuma ta adu ti kasla kanyam..

Unknown said...

Snappy salute to you Sir! Thank you for your service and Godbless!

Unknown said...

Salute!

Paang Gala said...

Wow thank you sir. Its good to be reposting this kind of heroism. God bless u all

Unknown said...

Pugay kamay po sir maraming salamat po sa serbisyo

Julius said...

Salamat, we salute you sir. Priceless service for filipino people.

Unknown said...

a true example of bravery, the award distinguish you from others and may serve as an inspiration to all!may the fallen contribution live!

Nellie Nolledo said...

I SALUTE YOU 2LT DILAG.. THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING OUR COUNTRY & OUR COUNTRYMEN.. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS! WE NEED MORE BRAVE SOLDIERS LIKE YOU...

Unknown said...

love read again and again...salute you sir Godbless our good soldiers stand brave for our country.

Unknown said...

the champion of the AFP and the best of the best..keep up your true faith

Unknown said...

Yes sir, we r vry proud of u sir.......

Unknown said...

Ngayon lang mauso ang social media, naunahan tayo ng mga kabataan. Amazing.

Unknown said...

that's right sir

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