Fallen Scout Ranger in Marawi Tiff Gets Medal of Valor

The Medal of Valor, the nation’s highest combat decoration, was posthomously awarded to Capt. Rommel Sandoval Wednesday, for showing courage, gallantry, and intrepidity above and beyond the call-of-duty during the campaign to retake Marawi City from the hands of the Maute Group terrorists.

President Rodrigo Duterte gave the award to Sandoval’s widow, Maria Ana Rosario, during the 82nd founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Sandoval, then commander of the 11th Scout Ranger Company, is the 41st recipient of the Medal of Valor.

Of the awardees, 17 are still alive while the rest are deceased.

Newly-appointed AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia said Sandoval was awarded for the Medal of Valor for having “distinguished himself in combat as he displayed extraordinary courage, bravery, sterling leadership, and professionalism by offering the greatest sacrifice of giving his life to a fellow comrade, thereby keeping with the finest tradition of soldiery.“

Sandoval and Pfc. Sherwin Canapi, died while trying to save one of their wounded comrades, Cpl. Jayson Mante, who was trapped in one of the buildings in the main battle area last Sept. 10.

Mante survived while his two rescuers died after being shot by the terrorists whom they engaged despite being severely wounded.

The deceased was also awarded with the Order of Lapu-Lapu (Magalong Medal).

Under Executive Order No. 17, the Order of Lapu Lapu is “awarded to officials and personnel of the government, as well as private individuals, in recognition of their invaluable service in relation to a campaign or advocacy of the President.”