SAN QUINTIN–“He will always be our hero.”

These were the words of Diana for his younger brother, the late 1Lt. Dhell Jhun Evangelista, who was one of the 23 casualties on the government side in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf bandit group in Tipo-tipo, Basilan last August 12.

The young lieutenant’s remains were brought home in barangay Alac here last August 15 and was laid to rest at the town cemetery August 22 with full military honors.

Evangelista, 25, was a member of the Mandirigmang Dangal ng Lahi Class 2006 of the Philippine Military Academy where he graduated cum laude, ranking number 11 out of the 329 members of the class.

Diana described her brother, who was planning to get married soon, as generous and cheerful especially to his nephews and nieces.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, who came to Evangelista’s wake and condoled with the latter’s family on August 17, lauded Evangelista’s gallantry.

“It is not only bravery that he displayed, it is heroism. His heroic feat and display of gallantry could qualify him as Medal of Valor Awardee for selflessly offering his life in the line of duty” the army chief said.

Maj. Gen Arturo Ortiz, commander of the Special Operations Command, himself a Medal of Valor Awardee, said he will facilitate the recommendation.

The young officer has two brothers and three sisters.

Denver, the eldest brother, said their late brother was someone persevering remembering how he had to stop schooling for one year after graduating from high school due to financial constraints and even became a palay kargador to earn a living.

Meanwhile, San Quintin Mayor Clark Cecil Tiu said the Sangguniang Bayan passed a resolution recognizing the heroism of their town’s son.

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