Tinglayan soldier gets Gold Cross Medal for neutralizing BIFF leader

Tabuk City, Kalinga – For showcasing bravery and remarkable commitment to service, a soldier from Tinglayan received on Monday, August 14, a gold cross medal, the third highest award for combat, for his role in neutralizing Zukarno Guilil, also known as Motorola, the 8th Division Commander of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in 2021.

Captain Ignacio Gumilab Jr., a member of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army, received the recognition from Major General Alex S. Rillera, Commander of said group, during a flag-raising ceremony at Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao Del Norte.

To recall, Gumilab was among soldiers involved in a firefight between government troops and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in December 2021 during a clash in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao.

In said clash, a senior leader of the pro-Islamic State armed group BIFF, known as ‘Motorola’, was shot and was confirmed dead by an official of the Philippine Army.

Accordingly, Motorala is a well-known bomb expert and was responsible for a number of bombings and attacks in Maguindanao.

He also had a number of active arrest warrants for crimes like murder, several attempted murders, destructive arson, and breaking the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Meantime, aside from Gumilab, others who were given the same medal include Sgt Paul Castillano, PFC Joeper Dela Cruz, and all members of the 6th Infantry (RedSkin) Battalion under the leadership of Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Michael Glenn Manansala.

In a Facebook post, the local government of Tinglayan conveyed their congratulatory message to the brave soldier saying, ‘his bravery and steadfast dedication to the protection and security of the country portrays the valor and loyalty of the Kalinga people.’

“He truly brings honor and pride to the Municipality of Tinglayan,” the Facebook post added.

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