We have another fallen warrior in the person of 2nd Lt Florencio Mikael Meneses, 27 of Bgy Tibag, Pulilan, Bulacan.
He was fighting for his life after being shot in the abdomen during an intense firefight with the armed followers of Nur Misuari in Lustre Street, Sta Catalina on September 21.
He died due to 'renal failure' at 4:00am on Monday (Sep 23).
He joined the military service as a cadet of the Philippine Military Academy on April 1, 2007.
He graduated and was subsequently commissioned as a 2nd LT in the Philippine Army on 06 March 2011.
I was among those who received him in the Army headquarters after the completion of their pre-deployment training sometime in the 2nd quarter of that same year.
He joined the First Scout Ranger Regiment and immediately took the rigorous Scout Ranger Course which he finished in October 2012.
After graduation, he was immediately assigned to the battlegrounds in Basilan where he saw action against Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the area.
A serious person, Meneses was respected not only by his subordinates but also by his peers.
Cpt Leonard del Rosario, the Company Commander of the 9th Scout Ranger Company, shared that Meneses doesn't love to drink alcohol but he occasionally joined the troops during unit-sanctioned social gatherings.
When his company,the 7th Scout Ranger (In Hoc Signo Vinces) Company was informed of an impending mission in Zamboanga two weeks ago, he was very excited. To lead people in battle is always a Scout Ranger's dream. He saw it as an opportunity to prove his worth as a Musang.
Cpt Arvin Llenaresas, the Commanding Officer of the 7th SRC said that Meneses was 'very snappy'.
"He is reliable both in administrative functions and also in combat. I have full confidence in him because of his positive leadership traits," said Llenaresas whom I talked to during the lull of the fighting in Sta Catalina today.
Brave leader
Llenaresas recalled that he was leading his company to assault a cluster of houses when he last saw Meneses alive.
"I was leading a section of soldiers in front, followed by my Ex-O and Mike (Meneses) who was trailing behind with his men. He was focused and in control despite the hail of bullets that greeted us," said Llenaresas.
"The fighting was so intense that we found ourselves only 5-10 meters away from the enemies who were positioned behind loopholes."
"We took turns providing support by fire to allow the maneuver of our exposed soldiers when I saw him blooded with a gunshot wound in the stomach."
Llenaresas said that at least six other soldiers were also injured but they pressed the fight, downing the enemies.
"I ordered my men to provide suppression fire as we evacuated those who were wounded amidst the enemies' interdiction fires that injured more soldiers. We were able to bring Mike to the casualty collection point and he was promptly brought to the hospital for treatment," said Llenaresas who was also with Meneses during the rescue of 34 hostages on September 19.
Sound of taps
Llenaresas said that he was saddened upon learning that his Platoon Leader met with the Creator.
"He was like my younger brother. That is how I treat all my soldiers in the company. I couldn't even send him off due to the continuous rescue missions," he said.
"He was like my younger brother. That is how I treat all my soldiers in the company. I couldn't even send him off due to the continuous rescue missions," he said.
I can only relate to Llenaresas. I understand what he felt.
We are a band of brothers in the Scout Ranger family.
We fully understand the dangers of our profession.
We are aware that anytime, we will be sent to dangerous combat missions to protect the people.
We are always ready to offer our lives in order to accomplish the mission.
We are Scout Rangers! We strike!
Taps is sounded.
