NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur — Seven army troopers, who were killed in an ambush while on their way to a civic mission in Bontoc, Mt. Province, last Friday, were given posthumous awards by the Department of National Defense (DND) last Sunday.

Newly installed Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin personally presented the awards and cash assistance from the national government to the families of the slain soldiers in simple ceremonies held at Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz in Isabela.

Gazmin cited as heroes First Lieutenant Lito Punio; Staff Sergeant Melchor Castro, 34; Corporal Cornelio Balmes, 24; and Privates First Class Camilo Topinio, 30; Windel Gazzingan, 31; Antonio Bunagan, 26; and James Tio-an, 25.

Aside from posthumous medals for their gallantry, the families of the slain soldiers received P100, 000 cash assistance each and at least P200, 000 additional benefits, including those from the Military Mutual Assistance Fund.

The seven members of the 52nd Reconnaisance Company under the Army’s 5th Infantry Division were on their way to conduct a medical mission when a band of 20 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels ambushed them in Sitio Sugit, Barangay Samoki in Bontoc.

They exchanged fire with the suspected members of the NPA's Kilusang Larangay Gerilya who were forced to withdraw from the clash site with their wounded comrades, as evidenced by a blood trail.

The remains of the seven army heroes were temporarily laid in state at the Headquarters of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division in Upi, Gamu, Isabela.