Troops from 45th IB commanded by Igorot Lt. Col. Guinolbay besieged enemy camp with over 30 enemies

Photo Courtesy || Lt. Col. Guinolbay

Cordillera - Troops from the 45th Infantry Battalion commanded by Igorot Lt. Col. Ruben Guinolbay besieged ASG camp in Barangay Maligay, Patikul, Sulu on 23 September 2020, according to 45IB Gallant Troopers Post. 

With the help and cooperation of local residents in the area who reported presence of more than 30 members of the ASG, the battalion headed by Lt. Col. Guinolbay immediately conducted an operation resulting in an intense firefight and killing of several members of the enemy.

READ ALSO: How an Igorot soldier Lt.Col. Ruben Guinolbay became a hero of Lamitan

In a more than one hour intense gunfight between the government troops and the ASG, the enemy ran away leaving one of their dead comrades in the area. 

The ASG suffered heavy looses on their side as evidence by thick blood left out by their wounded in the battle area. 

The troops had also recovered some enemy equipment and apparatus in battle scene.

"Hindi nang-iiwan ng patay ang mga Abu Sayyaf, at sa tagal nating karanasan sa pakikipaglaban sa kanila, mataas ang antas ng kanilang pagiging mandirigma at pilit nilang dinadala ang kanilang kasamahang nasawi sa laban, Lt. Col Guinolbay said in a statement. 

The troop continues to hunt down remaining ASG members in the southern part of the country to provide peace in the community. 

The support and the cooperation of civilians in the community are the key to achieving lasting peace and order in Sulu. 

source || 45IB Galland Troopers

Read More

Ifugao Scout Ranger Officer Ruben Guinolbay recommended AFP Medal of Valor

Photo Courtesy || Youlike Cordillera & Capt. Guinolbay

Cordillera - Captain Ruben Buyucan Guinolbay, who lead the 70 men Scout Rangers in defending the town of Lamitan from the deadly attack of the Abusayaf group back in 2001, was recommended for a Medal of Valor, the country's highest military award. 

He was also responsible for leading his men in the successful rescue of Father Nacorda who was held hostage by the group in 2001. 

The Cordilleran captain who traces his roots from Boliwong, Lagawae, Ifugao was awarded Medal of Valor for displaying courage and leadership in defending and saving the lives of the people of Lamitan, Basilan.

Capt. Guinolbay bravery in battle was never forgotten. 

During the heavy battle in Lamitan, 4 of his Rangers were killed and several were wounded. 

READ ALSO: Cordilleran Captain awarded 'Distinguised Conduct Star' medal by President Duterte

Guinolbay personally dragged many of his men to safety and ministered to the wounded. All 4 of his men died in his shoulder and 3 of them asked his permission to die and the last Ranger who was hit in the head was carried by Capt. Guinolbay and while putting back the spilling brains of the dead Ranger in his own pocket while's he's shouting and giving instructions to his men to gain morale in combat.

Capt. Guinolbay did not order his men to hold the line instead he ordered constant attack to the enemies while standing alone in the battle ground to show his men that the snipers and the mortars of the enemy will not hit him, according to Carlito Pablo or Inquirer.

"Hindi na iba sa akin yung mga tao ko, kapamilya na ang turing ko sa kanila, magkasama na kami sa hirap at ginhawa. Ang pinakamasakit sa lahat at yung mamatay na yung tao mo tapos ang unang tatawagin ay ang opisyal nya tapos sasabihin sayo na: Sir kahit anong mangyari, paparatingin niyo ang katawan ko sa pamilya ko!," said Capt. Guinolbay.

READ ALSO: Heroic story of Herbert D. Dilag - The Cordilleran soldier who received the highest award in the AFP

Capt. Guinolbay was a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 94. 

He completed his Scout Ranger Course and became the Top 1 of his Class. He was later sent to Fort Benning in America to train in one of the best Airborne Rangers School. 

source || Carlito Pablo; Inquirer.

Read More