"I-cover fire niyo ako" Scout Ranger Died While Trying To Rescue His Wounded Comrade in Marawi

On September 10, 2017, a captain of the Army Scout Rangers was killed on combat as he led his men in a major operation within the war in Marawi City.

Late Captain Rommel Sandoval was the Company Commander of the 11th Scout Ranger Company that are assigned in Marawi City.

In the days leading to his fall, the government troops were able to secure establishments which they had to scout and go through before they can declare that it is seized back from the Maute group.

It was in the clearing of one building that the late Captain Sandoval met his end. According to the Facebook page Scout Ranger Books, as they were exiting the building, one of Sandoval's team leader who was wounded got left in the ground floor.

A true comrade and leader, instead of heading back to safety, the valiant late Captain decided to go back to help his team leader. He was even able to shout a command to those who in the ranks with him on the way to safety.

"I-cover fire niyo ako!"

A truly heart-wrenching last words, for a beloved hero. He was able to reach his team leader and check for pulse but that was when he got shot at his side by Maute warriors who were hidden.

Despite his shot. the two were able to fire back at the Maute line. Unfortunately, the next hit that the late Captain got was fatal. he was shot in the cheeks that went to his head.

Needless to say, late Captain Rommel Sandoval died a true hero. We hope that we don't stop sharing the stories of the heroes who are laying down their lives in the war for us.

Mabigat i post ang pagkamatay ng isang Scout Ranger Company Commander, pero gusto ko lang i share itong tribute kay late Captain Rommel Sandoval: "Let us say a one-minute prayer for the soul of the late Captain Rommel Sandoval, Company Commander, 11th Scout Ranger Company. Naiwan sa first floor ng building ang isang team leader niya na wounded. Binabaril baril pa ng mga ISIS ang kanyang team leader habang wounded na nga. Nag decide si late Rommel na i rescue ang kanyang tao dahil ayaw niyang malagasan. A true leader, siya at isang buddy lang ang mismo nag assault pababa ng building para i recover ang tao niya. Ang command lang niya: "I cover fire niyo ako!" Naabutan pa niya ang tao niya at nakunan ng pulso. Kaso inabangan siya ng maraming ISIS at binaril una sa tagiliran. Kahit da dalawa lang sila, naka fire back pa sa mga bumabaril sa kanila. Kaso fatal ang sunod na tama ni Captain Sandoval sa pisngi. Namatay na true Scout Ranger si Captain Rommel Sandoval at ang kanyang buddy. Rest in peace Mel. Ang kanyang call sign: "Daredevil," signing out." (Sila late Captain Sandoval at late Canapi ang pang 44 na killed ng Scout Rangers sa Marawi.)

Fellow soldiers grieve as the body of the late Captain was flown back to his hometown.

President Rodrigo Duterte was able to pay his last respects to Captain Sandoval before he was flown on Monday, September 11, at the Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro. This was before the ramains of Sandoval and the others who were killed in battle were transported back to Manila.

Pinoy Thinking is sending our salute to all the soldiers who are laying their lives in the line. We also would like to ask everybody to join us in dedicating a few moments of silence as we pray for the souls of the valiant heroes that we lost in the face of war.


Source: Scout Ranger Books