Two of them were won at Matanog, Maguindanao on April 30, 2000. 1st Lieutenant Lolinato G. Toong and Sergeant Domingo J. Deluana of the 39 th Company, Marine Batallion Landing Team (MBLT). They were part of the force that penetrated an MILF fortified bunker system in the area.

      Engaging in a fierce firefight with a superior force, they inflicted severe casualties while covering their wounded comrades. Their refusal to withdraw despite being hit enabled their fellow soldiers to be successfully evacuated.

      Tragically, Lieutenant Toong and Sergeant Deluana were killed by enemy Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) blasts while maneuvering for position. Nevertheless, their death brought heavy enemy losses but more importantly, saved the lives of many of their comrades.

      The other Marine Medal of Valor Awardee was Sergeant Tomas Campo, a hospital corpsman assigned to the 20 th Company, MBLT10. On April 11, 2000, his unit spearheaded the assault against an estimated 150-strong MILF rebel stronghold at Liangan River, Munai, Lanao del Norte.

      In the ensuing battle, ten of his comrades were wounded by a heavy volume of rifle and mortar fire from well-entrenched positions. Disregarding his personal safety, Sgt. Campo treated and evacuated all of the wounded to safer ground. When his platoon leader was wounded, the intrepid corpsman went to his aid, unhesitatingly exposing himself to enemy fire. At this instance, he was hit and killed on the spot. With his death, the eleven comrades he saved survived. He has given his life for the safety of others.

      These soldiers have proven to everybody what a “Filipino soldier” really is – A person who would give life and limb in defense of the motherland, swearing to protect its patrimony and its people no matter what it costs. A hero in every sense of the word.