Thursday, September 19, 2013

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)

88 comments:

  1. RIP... what a loss :(

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    1. It was not a loss, he did what he loved with the utmost honor and glory and died so that countless civilians might see another day. We as civilians must honor his sacrifice with highest respect.

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  2. RIP... 1Lt. John Kristopher Rama! Salute!

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  3. how i wish gawan ng gobyerno ng paraan para mwala na ung mga rebelde. at wla ng gaya niang pinatay ng kapwa pilipino.

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  4. Thanks for the tribute sir. He was also the only Starman in our class when we were yearlings sir.

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  5. I salute you sir Rama

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  6. My snappiest salute Sir, may you Rest In Peace Sir.. my prayers for ur soul en the door of heaven awaits u.. You are now belong to God's Army, the angels in heaven..

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  7. rest in peace our Hero...

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  8. Condolence to the bereaved family.. thank you for saving and protecting Zamboanga City. WE SALUTE YOU! REST IN PEACE OUR HERO

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  9. Condolence to the bereaved family.. thank you for saving and protecting Zamboanga City. WE SALUTE YOU! REST IN PEACE OUR HERO

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  10. SALUTE to 1st Lt John Kristopher B Rama and his bereaved family.
    TAOS PUSONG PASASALAMAT sa iyong magiting na paglilingkod sa bayan.

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  11. THE FINAL INSPECTION
    for soldiers who gave his life so the others may live

    The soldier stood and faced God,
    Which must always come to pass.
    He hoped his shoes were shining,
    Just as brightly as his brass.

    'Step forward now, you soldier,
    How shall I deal with you ?
    Have you always turned the other cheek ?
    To My Church have you been true?'

    The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
    'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
    Because those of us who carry guns,
    Can't always be a saint.

    I've had to work most Sundays,
    And at times my talk was tough.
    And sometimes I've been violent,
    Because the world is awfully rough.

    But, I never took a penny,
    That wasn't mine to keep...
    Though I worked a lot of overtime,
    When the bills got just too steep.

    And I never passed a cry for help,
    Though at times I shook with fear.
    And sometimes, God, forgive me,
    I've wept unmanly tears.

    I know I don't deserve a place,
    Among the people here.
    They never wanted me around,
    Except to calm their fears.

    If you've a place for me here, Lord,
    It needn't be so grand.
    I never expected or had too much,
    But if you don't, I'll understand.

    There was a silence all around the throne,
    Where the saints had often trod.
    As the soldier waited quietly,
    For the judgment of his God.

    'Step forward now, you soldier,
    You've borne your burdens well.
    Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
    You've done your time in Hell.'

    Author Unknown~

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    Replies
    1. So true. I pray for their soul.

      Ensign Donato

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  12. The gates of the heaven is widely open as the Armies of God are singing wondrous songs, welcoming one of the Earth's soldiers 1st Lt John Kristopher B. Rama. Thank you po Sir sa ginawa mo!

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  13. RIP OUR HERO... FROM POB NORTE BARCELONA, SORSOGON

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  14. Nakikiramay po ako sa mga iniwan ng nasawi.

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  15. My salute to the hero Lt John Kristopher B. Rama

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  16. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND GOD BE WITH YOU.... koung hindi dahil sa walang kwentang gobyerno di na sana tayo naghihirap pa,wala na bang katapusan ang gulo na`to, kawawa ang mga sundalo natin, maraming buhay pa ang masawi kong hindi itigil ang laban na`to, pilipino sa pilipino nagpapatayan, wala nang pinag-iba sa SYRIA,marami nang terorista,,, sana malutas na ang problemang ito....

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  17. Thank you Sir!!!!

    Thank you for saving us here in
    Zamboanga.
    Sa army, marines, at scout rangers lang kami kumakapit at nagtitiwala

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  18. A fallen hero: Defender of Zamboanga City. Rest in peace, warrior!

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  19. he passed away with his boots on...the way a true warrior should.

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  20. We salute you. RIP our hero.

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  21. Thank you for your loyal service to our country Sir.



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    1. I salute you Lt. Rama as new hero and a true warrior. May the LORD gives you rest forever.

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    2. May the war in Mindanao will end, before it worsened everthing.

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  22. Rest in peace great warior....

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  23. Rest well in God's presence. Thanks, soldier.

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  24. I salute u Lt. Rama! Rest in peace....

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  25. + John Kristopher Rama

    Para sa pinili mong daan ng kabayanihan, saludo ako!
    Hinding-hindi ko na makakalimutan ang bahaging ito ng kasaysayan,
    ang dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan sa Zamboanga
    ang kalagayan ng ating bansa
    ang tanging magagawa ay ang magluksa at magdasal
    para sa bayan, sa mga biktima ng labanang hindi makatarungan
    at para sa iyo, ang naaalala ko lamang ay ang ikaw na tahimik na kaklase at mabuting kaibigan
    at ngayon, isang bayani at sundalong marangal.

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  26. R.I.P. Bok, may you find good favor from our creator....

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  27. WE FILIPINOS PROUDLY SALUTE A FALLEN FILIPINO SOLDIER (Ist. Lt. JOHN KRISTOPHER RAMA)... A WAR WITH FELLOW FILIPINO REBELS (MNLF) FIGHTING FOR THEIR OWN PRINCIPLES... ON BOTH SIDES, NOT WORTH DYING FOR!!! SINCERE CONDOLENCES & FERVENT PRAYERS TO ALL FALLEN HEROES... THE LORD GRANT THEM PEACE & ETERNAL LIFE AS PROMISED BY OUR LOVING FATHER... MAY THIS WAR END IN PEACE AND LOVING FORGIVENESS IN OUR HEARS!!! A M E N...
    (A PROUD GRANDSON OF A WWII FILIPINO-VETERAN)

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  28. RIP... isa na namang sundalo ang nasawi sa isang bakbakan pilipino kapwa pilipino... isang giyera sa mindanao na halos ilang dekada na ang nagdaraan pero wala pa ding kasagutang pangkapayapaan.. dahil lang sa mga ganid sa salapi at kapangyarihan.. hindi matatapos ang labanang yan...

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    Replies
    1. tama ito ang masakit..we fight with same filipino

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  29. Rest in Peace great warrior and mighty hero.. forever you will stay in the hearts of every Zamboangueno...

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  30. Rendering my snappiest salute to a hero 1st Lt. RAMA and to all our soldiers in the battle field. GOD be with you always.

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  31. Thank you for this wonderful blog. You will always be remembered kuya... I am so proud of you!

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  32. Rest in peace Lt. John Kristopher Rama! Saludo kmi sayo tunay kng bayani. Maraming salamat po.

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  33. Rest in Peace sir! Saludo ako sayo. Salamat sa pagligtas at pagbabantay mo kasama ang tropa doon sa amin sa Basilan nung nakaraang taon. Marangal na bayani.

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  34. Rest in peace Sir,, I salute!

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  35. My snappy salute to you bok, RIP.

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  36. Condolence our hero. May u rest in peace with GOD. My snappiest salute to you and your comrades.

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  37. condolence rest in peace LT.

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  38. Rest in Peace. You are a Hero. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

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  39. My deepest sympathies to the family... A real big loss...Ganito ang mga taong kailangan ng bayan natin!

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  40. We salute you sir!!!Condolence to your family and loved ones...May God give them strength and courage to pursue what you have left behind..

    _-from your underclass

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  41. rest in peace sir..my snappy salute...

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  42. LT. Kris Rama may you rest in peace with our eternal gratitude. The lord Bless.

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  43. Rest in peace brother warrior...I just hope the Filipino people will treasure the sacrifices of their soldiers more by doing what is right in all they do...that is perhaps the only thing a soldier would ever want in return for his sacrifices...never fortune nor fame but just simple respect for country...

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  44. RIP our HERO 1st Lt.Rama...

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  45. R.I.P sir,and thank's for the job well done

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  46. Maraming salamat, Lt. John Kristopher Rama! RIP sir! Nakikiramay po ako sa pamilya at mga kaibigan nyang naiwan.

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  47. Job well done, my heart cries out for the family you left behind and I'm outraged by the damage and pain all this has caused to my fellow Zamboanguenos and the Filipino people.

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  48. Condolence from Canada..Rest in Peace. Thank you for a job well done

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  49. RIP...ul wil always be a hero and i salute u for a job well done and for serving ur country..it pains to know y ders always a fallen hero in every battle..i wil pray for ur eternal rest .. I know the Lord is waiting for u in His Kingdom..maybe he needs a Soldier like u besides him..Thank u again for being a Hero to everyone..

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  50. R.I.P OUR HERO!, sana wala ng matulad sa kanya... salamat sa matapat na paglilingkod sa bayan Lt. John Kristopher Rama, we salute you sir!

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  51. Rest in Peace, soldier... may you now be truly at peace and may your loved ones be proud of you who has given up his life so that others may live. God rest your weary soul.

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  52. soldiers protects us, risk their lives and yet most of our gov't officials are busy stealing wealth. Have they (gov't) ever think on how to protect our soldiers as well? Like,to give them high salaries,decent homes,and the benefits that families may get just in case a soldier will fall in the line of duties, rather than busy making laws of blah...blah.blah.. Since young, i know how these soldiers gone thru (my father was an official before, lot of my friends married soldiers) and i really, really look at them as hero not just they become after they fall....

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  53. I encourage both the Romblon Provincial Board the Romblon State University to jointly make a resolution that will make Rama's daughter a university scholar just in case the daughter does not have resources to get a degree. Every able bodied and financially capable Filipino citizen should always support families of people like Rama who died defending our cause. This is the meaning of being Filipino citizen.However small our regular support, we must shoulder the burden as responsible citizen.

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    1. I agree with giving scholarship to his daughter. His family deserve it!

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    2. The AFP Educational Benefit System Office offers educational scholarship to all military dependents either active or killed in action..there are also other foundations like the PMAAA (Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association), AFPSLAI, PAFCPIC (Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative), AFPMBAI that grant scholarships to its members. His family just have to coordinate with the said offices especially the AFPEBSO..

      My heartfelt condolences to the family.. May God grant his soul eternal repose.

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  54. REST IN PEACE, Salute Sir!.. GOD BLESS!!!

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  55. May your soul rest in peace! Our deepest symphathy to the family who left behind, especially sa daughter nya. My heart cry for u. Saludo po kami sayong katapangan Sir! Salamat sa imong pagserbisyo sa Zamboanga .. Hats off to you Sir! From Los Angeles, CA.

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  56. Rest in peace Sir
    May Allah give you the highest rank in jannah.. Ameen..

    Sana magwakas na ang kasamaan ng mga muslim na gumagamit ng islam sa kanilang pansariling hangarin. IM A MUSLIM , I AM PROUD PILIPINO !

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  57. a truly hero..go to the hand of the lord 1st lt John Kristopher B, Rama all filipinos are proud of u...hand salute! from:manuela pimentel of san fernando,la union

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  58. Condolences to the family... another fallen soldier while the corrupt officials continue to count their wealth! I'm not a soldier but I give my salute to a brave hero..

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  59. Condolences to the family... another fallen soldier while the corrupt officials continue to count their wealth! I'm not a soldier but I give my salute to a brave hero..

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  60. RIP dear unsung hero. My deepest condolence to a young family who lost a husband and a dad. While the politicians seat in their comfortable surroundings, our soldiers do their jobs without any glory.


    from Melbourne

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  61. Thank you for this tribute sir and for the sympathy.. i am his cousin and we are very proud to have him. . Lagi kame nagaasara kasi hindi ako nniniwala na mgaling sya lagi kme nagkokontrahan pero that is one way ofour bonding.. pero super idol ko un.. at ang hirap iaccept n wala na siya.. :((((( maliit p lang tayo alam mo n proud n ko sayo.. we love you..

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  62. Come home soldier! You fought for peace, not war.

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  63. this is the saddest part of a soldier's life..my son a tausog is alsoa military men..his father a cpl left the PA when a senior officer change his life both the military n civilian alike..the father of my PA son was a victim of this officer,because i can say the father of my son with SN 640774 is a SROC and a bright soldier was again i will say a victim,even his discharged order was a fake according to a friend in then SOUTHCOM (RUC) but we are nobody to ask help from higher officer..the story is a nobela if i will write here..but my point is SOLDIERS LIFE DEPEND ON HIS SUPERIOR to good or bad...its not only in a battle that a soldier lost his life..but life must go on..MY SALUTE OUR HERO ....RIP

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    1. HE WAS DISCHARGED WITH PREJUDICE TO RE-ENTRY

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    2. our salute to you...our hero LT RAMA...hindi ka nag iisa...victim ka lang

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  64. I HAVE BEEN WITH A SOLDIER FOR FIVE YEARS NOW, QUITE LONG YOU MAY THINK? I FOR ONE CAN RELATE HOW HARD LIFE IS FOR A SOLDIER SPECIALLY IF THEY HAVE FAMILIES TO LEAVE BEHIND.KNOWING WHAT WE ARE INTO. I STILL BELIEVE THAT LOVE IS THE GREATEST REASON WHY WE STAYED TOGETHER. JUST LIKE LT. RAMA, HE IS A MAN WORTH ADMIRING, ALTHOUGH WE'VE LOST ANOTHER GOOD MAN, WE ALL KNOW THAT HIS STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN HAS BEEN BUILT LONG BEFORE HIS THOUGHT OF ENTERING THE MILITARY.HATS OFF TO LT.RAMA.

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  65. U CAN REST NOW MY DEAR FRIEND UR SACRIFICES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

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  66. Thank you very much for your service Sir, also our deepest sympathy to the Rama Family. May you rest in peace.

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  67. dessert eagle sir ang bait mo bakit ikaw p..sana wakasan na ang digmaan sa zambo..isa kang bayani sir wala kang katulad matagal din tau magkasama ang bait at napakagaling mo sir..Rest in Peace..LUNA

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  68. as a soldier's wife, my heart is really pounded every time a soldier fell in a battle. may God put an end to this war in Mindanao. May He give justice to the innocent victims, particularly soldiers, who have no desire but just to promote peace....

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  69. Thank you for your service. RIP :(

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