President Rodrigo Duterte posthumously awarded Captain Rommel ‘Daredevil’ Sandoval with Medal of Valor, for acts of conspicuous courage, gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during the Marawi crisis.
The presentation of award to his wife was conducted during the 82nd anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held December 20 in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Scout Ranger Books
He was the commander of 11th Scout Ranger “Pericoloso” Company, 4th Scout Ranger Battalion of the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, Philippine Army Special Operations Command. Captain Sandoval is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 2005 and Scout Ranger Class 165.
His citation says he “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 Filipino soldiery.”
He was also awarded Order of Lapu-Lapu, Magalong Medal.
“Sa huling araw niya bilang Scout Ranger, ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para isalba ang buhay ng kanyang tao na naghihingalo na sa tama ng bala,” said in a social media post of Scout Ranger Books.
“Tinakbo niya ito para saklolohan, pero naunahan siyang tamaan ng bala ng kalaban. At dahil likas kay late Captain Sandoval ang protektahan ang tao niya, dinapaan na lang niya ang wounded na tao niya para si late Rommel na lang ang sumagip ng bala,” it added. “Siya ang unang namatay mula sa kanyang unit.”