MARINE Private First Class Eddie Cardona Jr. from Bolinao, one among the 13 soldiers killed in the ongoing intense fighting to retake Marawi City from Maute-ISIS group has been declared a hero by the Bolinao municipal council.

Mayor Arnold Celeste presented the town’s resolution, “commending and honoring the bravery of PFC Cardona…” and financial assistance to the family of Cardona Jr. whose remains arrived here Tuesday.

Cardona, 28, a resident of Barangay Goyoden this town, was cited for his “unwavering commitment in defending the country against terrorist forces who desire to disrupt the peace and destroy freedom and democracy in this land is truly an act of heroism and ultimate sacrifice worthy of emulation and praiseworthy of recognition of the highest order…. his bravery, patriotism and selfless service to the country have brought pride and honor to this municipality and a good exemplar to our fellowmen especially to the youth.””

Ronel Cardona, 32, elder brother of Eddie, said despite the pain from their loss, had accepted what happened to Eddie and feel proud of his dedication to duty.

He said he wished he had a ‘selfie’ with his brother before he left for Marawi.

Eddie sent off Ronel to the bus station going home to Pangasinan prior to his Marawi assignment and asked his elder brother Eddie for a selfie, saying “you might not see me again anymore alive.”

Eddie’s suggestion angered Ronel so he just waved him off.

Ronel said Eddie sent photos to his friends in Manila via Messenger about 8:00 a.m. on June 9 to update them about what’s happening to him in Marawi.

He was killed about two hours later.

Eddie had plans to marry his girlfriend who works in Dubai sometime in January 2018 and had already talked to his girlfriend’s parents sometime in April this year about his marriage proposal.

His girlfriend is from Balingasay, Bolinao and is set to come home for Eddie’s burial.

Eddie was building a family house in Barangay Goyoden and was already 60 percent completed.

Eddie was the fourth in a brood of seven in their family. He joined the Marines in 2012 after finishing Criminology course.

“No day would pass without him asking us how we are doing via his chats in Messenger. We will miss him terribly,” Ronel said. (Eva Visperas)

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