The commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, visited the family of Cpl. Richard Rafols in Barangay Magdungao, Passi City, Iloilo on Monday to pay his respects and offer condolences to the fallen hero.
Rafols was one of the soldiers who died in an encounter between the 11th Infantry Battalion troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Milagrosa, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental last Aug. 24, 2023.
According to a report from the Philippine News Agency, Sison lauded Rafols for his bravery and sacrifice in defending the country from the communist insurgents. He also assured the bereaved family that the government will provide them with financial assistance and other benefits.
Sison also urged the remaining NPA members to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers livelihood, education, and health services to former rebels.
Rafols was a native of Passi City and a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Criminology from West Visayas State University. He joined the Philippine Army in 2020 and was assigned to the 11th Infantry Battalion based in Negros Oriental.
He is survived by his wife, Jocelyn, and their two children, aged four and two.