1st Lt John Kristopher B Rama: Profile of a fallen hero

I was sipping my coffee after my 3-km jog at around 6:30 am when I first heard the news about the death of another soldier in Zamboanga City. 

I didn't have to find out his name because an underclassman promptly sent me a text message that bears the name of the fallen hero: 1st Lt John Kristopher Rama, a member of the PMA Class of 2008. 

He became the 10th soldier to die in the ongoing military operations against Misuari's followers who flocked to Zamboanga to attend a 'peace rally', and  MNLF's planned flag-hoisting at the city government's seat of power.

He was leading his men in the clearing operations which required them to enter enemy-occupied buildings in order to conduct 'room clearing' procedures.

1st Lt John Kristopher Rama was among these soldiers who proceeded to Sta Catalina to engage Misuari's men who held hostage more than a hundred of civilians whom they used as human shields. (Photo copied from the internet)

Rama and his men were highly-trained soldiers of the Army's Special Operations Command. They were ready and committed to perform the mission. 

After about 10 days of continuous fighting in the urban jungle of Zamboanga, he and his men fully knew that the risks are becoming greater due to the presence of innocent civilians who were used as human shields. 

It was only yesterday (Sep 18) when his unit participated in the successful rescue of 64 hostages in Sta Catalina village.

It was the second time that he was involved in the successful rescue missions. On September 17, he was among those who rescued 34 hostages together with the Scout Rangers.  

Rama was a typical combat leader: he leads from the front where he can best control his unit. 

Unmindful of the whizzing bullets, he led his soldiers in clearing the building, one room after the other.

They were gradually gaining grounds in that building when a bullet claimed his life at around 5:00am today (September 19, 2013). He was 30 years old.

Bright officer

A B.S Mathematics graduate from the University of the East, Rama entered the Philippine Military Academy as a cadet on April 1, 2003. 

A hardworking student, he landed in the Top 10 of his class when he graduated on March 18, 2008. 

1st Lt Robert Martin Dimailig, a 'mistah' (classmate) of Rama, said:

"He is very kind and  a silent type person. He had always longed to serve in the Army even during our cadet days," said Dimailig, who is also involved in the ongoing security operations in Zamboanga City. 

He topped in all of his Army training courses including the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Counter-terrorist course and the  Special Forces Operations Course.

Due to his academic performance and leadership traits, he was sent to Malaysia to attend the Jungle Operations Course. 

Prior to his assignment at SOCOM in 2009, he served in the hinterlands of Mindanao as a Platoon Leader of the 36th Infantry Battalion of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, where he saw action against communist bandits. 

He was an expert shooter and a multi-awarded junior officer. 

'Homeboy'

His father, Edgar, 52, said that John is a 'home boy' since his childhood days. 

"He is very quiet and prefers to stay at home than be with barkadas. I have no problems with him because he is a very responsible person," he said.

"I last talked to him about two days ago when he requested for uniforms that he needed in Zamboanga City. His wife also sent chocolates and his favorite chicharon, and I brought it to his liaison NCO in Camp Aguinaldo," he added. 

The elder Rama never thought that his son will perish in the clashes. 

He was proudly sharing the story about his son that I could sense the smile on his voice.

"I had no feeling whatsoever that he would be gone forever. However,I could not help but shed tears everytime I remember him," said Rama, a native of Romblon.

A hero

I haven't worked with Rama before but I also felt the pain of losing a dear brother. 

He was undoubtedly one of our heroes. He was ready to lead. He unflinchingly followed the order to save the hostages.

He helped free 108 innocent civilians from their captors who had used them as human shields.

He gave his life so that others may live.

He is survived by his loving wife Erlinda and 2 year old daughter Erin.

We are both warriors of the Special Operations Command. We belong to the same family. 

I will render my snappiest salute. 

Taps is sounded.

(Credit to kawal Pinoy)