January 25, 2006. It was just an ordinary day for CPT AMATONG... a pleasant day for flying that has turned into an appointment with death.

      At 8:46 AM, cheerful and eager to face the day, CPT ANIANO AMATONG JR PAF and CPT JAMES ACOSTA PAF aboard an OV-10 Bronco took off from Atienza Airfield at Sangley Point, Cavite. They were en-route to participate in the Joint Special Operations Task Force with the US Forces in Clark Air Field, Pampanga.

      Suddenly, their left engine broke down at 3,000 feet without any preamble. The two Captains struggled hard to stabilize the aircraft. For awhile, the Bronco was steadily airborne until a second unexpected defect developed. At 9:00 AM, they totally lost base contact. With no possibility left unturned, they earnesty strived to maintain control but all seemed hopeless. At 2,000 feet, they continue to loose altitude. It was then that they decided to bail out upon

realizing that the plane is going to crash.

      "EJECT! EJECT!" was the last thundering order that CPT ACOSTA received from his Captain. He immediately ejected and parachuted to safety while the aircraft staggered towards the residential area with CPT AMATONG at the helm resolutely steering it away. He successfully maneuvered the OV-10 towards a fishpond before it crash-landed... but he died in the process.

      The crucial scenes may seem to be movie-like but CPT AMATONG remains a real persona. He could have just bailed out in the nick of time and saved himself but he chose to die so that others may live. He has stood firm to his commitment of protecting and serving his countrymen. As what columnist Alex Magno aptly said, "He showed at the last moment of his life that even his immense talents were overshadowed by his awesome compassion."

      Indeed, It is the AFP's privilege to have CPT AMATONG, even if not for long. Yes, he is gone but he will never be forgotten. His legendary courage thrives and overshadows his death. He left at the age of 31 yet it is equal to a lifetime service.