"BATO", his surname's first two syllables might as well gain him the title "The Rock!" His gallant feat has earned him the admiration and respect not only among the Filipinos but that of American soldiers as well.

      SSg Antonio Batomalaque PA was a member of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti. He left the Philippines las April 2005 to extend his duty not only as a soldier but as an envoy of peace to a foreign land. Despite the long distance from his family and the uncertainty of his fate in an unfamiliar country, he willingly accepted his mission of securing peace for those who need it. He was faced with a challenge that caused him his life, yet emerged victorious.

      On April 15, 2005, SSg Batomalaque and the rest of their team, led by the US Army Minustah Deputy Operations Officer LTC Robert Casias, was establishing roadblocks along the thoroughfares of Cite Soleil, Haiti when a group of gangster fired on them from the surrounding buildings. They could not determine where

the shots came from since the thugs were treacherously hidden behind the curtained windows.

      Their firearms proved useless. They could not fire back since the place was teeming with a huge crowd and was packed with women vendors and children. With the team as the vulnerable target, SSg Batomalaque quickly exposed himself to permit LTC Casias and the other team members to crawl to a covered position.

      He willfully embraced death so that other people may live. On that fateful day, SSg Batomalaque's 23 years of productive military service was brought to an end. Yet, it ended leaving an indelible mark and distinction not only for him and his family, but more importantly to our country.

      Every soldier would want to die in his country but SSg Batomalaque died away from his Motherland performing his task as a peacekeeper. He would have wanted to die embracing his family but all he had then was their fond memories. Nevertheless, his family, his country, and his fellow Filipinos would surely be proud of the Hero that he has been. The last three syllables of his surname "ma-la-que" definetly proves that he is one of the great rock forms that comprise our Armed Forces.