An Igorot Marine's Heroic Deed
Corporal Gener C. Tinangag, an Igorot from Barlig, Mountain Province, and an enlisted Marine of the Philippine Marine Corps, has been posthumously awarded the Medal for Valor, the highest military honor in the Philippines. This prestigious award recognizes his extraordinary courage and sacrifice during the Marawi siege in 2017.
The conflict began on May 23, 2017, when a government operation aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf commander, ignited intense fighting between Philippine security forces and militants affiliated with the Islamic State, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups. At that time, Tinangag was a Private First Class (PFC) with the Special Operations Platoon (SOP) of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT)-5 and was among the first to respond to this crisis.
Bravery Under Fire
On June 9, 2017, Tinangag's unit was engaged in a critical mission near Mapandi Bridge in Lilod Madaya, Marawi City. Their task was to recover the dead and wounded Marines. When his comrades took a break, Tinangag did not hesitate; he immediately took action.
Without a second thought, Tinangag ventured into the perilous area on his own. His courage was remarkable. He successfully rescued four wounded Marines and was in the process of retrieving the body of a fallen lieutenant when he was struck by sniper fire and grenade fragments. Despite his severe injuries, he managed to bring the lieutenant's body to safety before succumbing to his wounds.
Recognized Bravery
The Medal for Valor citation reflects Tinangag's heroism:
"Through his outstanding bravery and unflinching determination in the face of great adversity during the five-hour intense and deadly battle against the ISIS-inspired Local Terrorist Group - Maute, PFC Tinangag selflessly and single-handedly saved the lives of four Marines and extricated one killed in action in exchange for his own life. His selfless sacrifice raised the morale of troops to valiantly advance in a ferocious battle and subsequently liberated Marawi City from the terrorists. By singular display of heroism, Private First Class Gener C Tinangag distinguished himself in combat, keeping with the traditions of Filipino soldiery."
Honoring a Hero
In recognition of his extraordinary service and sacrifice, the Philippine Navy named a ship in his honor. BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) is the third ship of the Acero-class patrol gunboat series. The vessel was commissioned during the 125th Philippine Navy Anniversary on May 26, 2023. This naming serves as a lasting tribute to Corporal Tinangag's heroism and ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Filipino servicemen and women.
A Legacy of Courage
The Medal for Valor is awarded to military personnel who have demonstrated conspicuous gallantry at great personal risk. Corporal Gener C. Tinangag's actions during the Marawi siege exemplify these qualities, affirming his status as a recipient of the Philippines' highest military award for courage. His sacrifice not only saved lives but also played a significant role in the liberation of Marawi City from terrorist forces.
Corporal Tinangag's story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of our soldiers. His legacy will be remembered and honored for generations, serving as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage demonstrated by those who protect our nation.
As one of the few Igorot recipients of the Medal for Valor, his achievement highlights the remarkable contributions of the Igorot people to our country's history of valor.
