Gov. Edgar Chatto on Wednesday led Capitol officials in honoring the slain Boholano Philippine Marine Corps soldier Cpl. John Garia and personally extending condolences to his family in San Miguel.
Chatto posthumously awarded the fallen soldier, who was among 13 Marines killed in Marawi City two weeks ago in a 14-hour gun battle against Maute terrorists, with a commendation from the Provincial Board.
The award which was in a form of a bronze plaque and an undisclosed amount of cash were handed over to Garcia’s family at their home in Barangay Kagawasan.
Other officials including Board Member Agapito Avenido, San Miguel Mayor Leonila Pinat, Brgy. Capt. Isabelo Palma and municipal police chief Christopher Fernandez also paid their last respects to Garcia.
Garcia’s remains will be brought to the San Miguel town hall where he will also be accorded honors before he will be laid to rest.
The soldier who was 28 when he died, was reportedly shot in the bladder on June 9 and moments later succumbed to his injury amid fierce clashes in Marawi City.
Garcia was a graduate of the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Forestry and Technology (CVSCAFT), now Bohol Island State University.
He joined the Marines in 2012. (Rey Tutas)