2nd Lieutenant Herbert D. Dilag, an Igorot from Kalinga, was awarded the Medal for Valor, the Philippines' highest military honor, for his exceptional courage and leadership during a critical military operation against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1998 and a dedicated Scout Ranger, Dilag served as the Squad Leader of a "Suicide Squad" within the First Scout Ranger Battalion, First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Operations Command, Philippine Army.
This article recounts the extraordinary bravery displayed by Dilag and his comrades during the intense three-day assault on Hill 898, one of the most formidable Abu Sayyaf camps. As a living legend, Colonel Dilag exemplifies the highest ideals of courage and leadership, setting a powerful example for future generations.
The Battle at Hill 898
In March 2000, Abu Sayyaf militants abducted approximately 28-29 civilians in Basilan, including schoolchildren, a Catholic priest, and two teachers. This brazen kidnapping initiated a high-stakes rescue mission, with 2nd LT. Herbert Dilag playing a crucial role.
Dilag was part of a Scout Ranger unit under the command of Major Roberto Caldeo, tasked with tracking down the kidnappers and rescuing the hostages. On April 28, 2000, after weeks of relentless pursuit, Dilag's unit launched an assault on the Abu Sayyaf camp at Hill 898, also known as Camp Abdurrajak in Punoh Mohaji, Isabela, Basilan. While the initial attack took the militants by surprise, the rugged terrain provided the enemy with a significant advantage, allowing them to pin down the government forces and hold their ground.
As the battle continued, the situation grew increasingly desperate for the Scout Rangers. Despite their best efforts, the heavily fortified bunkers and the high ground occupied by the Abu Sayyaf fighters made it nearly impossible to advance. After two days of intense fighting with little progress, Major Caldeo recognized that a bold and potentially deadly maneuver was necessary to turn the tide of the battle.
The Suicide Mission
On the third day of the operation, Caldeo ordered an all-out assault, forming two "suicide squads" of volunteers willing to face near-certain death. One squad was led by 2nd LT. Herbert Dilag, and the other by 2nd LT. Gonzales. Their mission was to clear the northeastern bunkers that were hindering the advance of the remaining government forces.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Dilag and his squad charged up the steep, 80-meter, 80-degree slope toward the enemy's fortified positions. The ensuing battle was fierce, with the squad engaging in intense bunker-to-bunker combat. After four hours of relentless fighting, they succeeded in clearing the bunkers, forcing the Abu Sayyaf militants to retreat.
The operation required extraordinary bravery and sacrifice. The volunteers of the suicide squads prepared for what they anticipated might be their final mission, leaving their personal belongings with their comrades and instructing them to pass them on to their families if they did not return.
The intense three-day firefight resulted in the deaths of 68 Abu Sayyaf members and the rescue of the remaining hostages. Tragically, among the recovered casualties were the beheaded bodies of the two hostage teachers.
2nd LT. Dilag's Extraordinary Valor
Throughout the battle, 2nd LT. Herbert Dilag demonstrated remarkable leadership and bravery. Despite his squad suffering casualties, Dilag carried his wounded comrades to safety while continuing his role as the team's sniper. His precise shooting effectively neutralized enemy mortar operators and machine gunners, significantly contributing to the demoralization of the Abu Sayyaf forces and enabling the main troops to advance.
Dilag personally eliminated 27 rebels during the clash, a crucial factor in the enemy's retreat and the successful advance of the main forces. His valor was a key element in the mission's success, which resulted in the deaths of 68 Abu Sayyaf members and the rescue of 28 civilian hostages.
Upon receiving his Medal for Valor from the President of the Philippines, Dilag was overcome with emotion and teared up. He reflected on his experiences with deep sentiment:
"Nagising kami ng 2 a.m, lakad na naman kami, wala kaming tulog talaga, tapos maulan pa, mabagal lang ang lakad namin kasi walang daanan at magubat pa. Nung nagka encounter ang isang kamay namin nakahawak sa ugat ng kahoy at ang isa naman bumabaril. Sa loob ng 24 hours tiniis namin yung terrain, gutom, tension, fatigue. Tapos maririnig mo yung halinghing ng mga kasama mong wounded at nagsasabing, 'Sir atras na tayo, wala na akong dugo, masakit na ang sugat ko, mabubuhay pa ba ako sir?' Yung mga ganun. Lalong lumalabas ang di madidiskubre na tapang sa loob mo." ("We woke up at 2:00am, then we took off. We hadn't slept and it was raining. Our progress was slow due to the thick jungle growth. When we engaged the enemy, we had to use one hand to hold onto tree roots, while the other hand fired the weapon. For 24 hours we withstood the steep terrain, hunger, tension, and fatigue. Then you would hear the groans of your wounded comrades saying, 'Sir, let's retreat,' 'I'm suffering blood loss,' 'My wounds hurt,' 'Will I live sir?' You will then discover that you do have an untapped reservoir of courage.")
For his extraordinary courage and leadership, 2nd LT. Herbert Dilag was awarded the Medal for Valor, the highest military decoration in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Medal for Valor Citation
SECOND LIEUTENANT HERBERT D DILAG O-12640 PHILIPPINE ARMY Isabela, Basilan - 30 April 2000
"For acts of conspicuous courage, gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the Squad Leader of a "Suicide Squad" of the First Scout Ranger Battalion, First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Operations Command, Philippine Army, during the 3-day assault of Hill 898, Camp Abdurrajak, Punoh Mihaji, Isabela, Basilan on 28 to 30 April 2000.
With the commencement of the 103rd Brigade's OPLAN "FINAL OPTION", the First Scout Ranger Battalion was directed to attack the highly fortified enemy positions being occupied by more or less 210 fully armed members of the Abu Sayyaf Group who were then holding in captivity 28 civilian hostages. The 11th Scout Ranger Company spearheaded the attack with the team under SECOND LIEUTENANT DILAG, taking the lead. After a grueling trek along the 7-kilometer highly restrictive terrain and after bypassing 48 enemy improvised landmines, the troops were able to close-in on the northeastern portion of the enemy camp.
On 280930 April 2000, the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion began the assault and a heavy firefight ensued. Though initially surprised the enemy was able to take advantage of its commanding position and confronted the government forces with stiff resistance. At 1630H, the enemy counterattacked in full force, killing 4 Scout Rangers and wounding 27 others. In spite of the numerous casualties and heavy enemy volume of fires coming from cal. 50 Machineguns, 57RRs and the continuous explosion of grenades and dynamites near their positions, the leading elements under SECOND LIEUTENANT DILAG, fearlessly retaliated with accurate sniper fires which prevented the enemy from closing-in.
Notwithstanding the heavy rains, hunger, tension and fatigue, and despite numerous casualties, the Scout Rangers held on their ground and engaged the enemy with strong determination and ferocity for the next 24 hours. On 300530 April 2000, after sensing the seemingly insurmountable odds, Major Caldeo, the Commanding Officer of the 1st scout Ranger Battalion, decided to execute the final assault with the organization of 2 "Suicide Squads". The squad, consisting of 14 volunteers, were tasked to perform an extremely risky mission of clearing the northeastern bunkers.
Uncertain of what will happen to them, the members of the squad, left their valuables to their supporting comrades to be further given to their loved ones, in anticipation of their deaths. Undaunted by threat posed by the situation and unmindful of their own safety, the squads, headed by Second Lieutenant Dilag and Second Lieutenant Gonaales rushed-up the 80-meter, 80-degree slope and eventually assaulted the heavily fortified enemy defensive positions then carried out an intense bunker to bunker battle.
With cunning stealth, the "Suicide Squads" were able to secure the northeastern tip of Hill 898 which was being defended by Khadafy Janjalani's group. This heroic and gallant act paved the way for the subsequent clearing of the remaining 3 clusters of enemy fortified defensive positions. After 4 hours of close combat, the squads forced the enemy to withdraw towards the western direction. The 3 day intense firefight resulted to the killing of 7 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, the recovery of 1 B40 RPG, 1 M653 and M16 rifles, the unearthing of 2 beheaded hostages and the destruction of a seemingly invincible enemy.
By this display of exceptional courage and a high degree of leadership, SECOND LIEUTENANT DILAG distinguished himself in combat, in keeping the finest tradition of Filipino Soldiery."
Life After the Medal for Valor
Following his heroic actions, Colonel Herbert Dilag continued to serve with distinction in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As of 2024, he holds the rank of Colonel. His wife, Major Daisy Lady Dilag, also serves in the AFP, and together they are raising two children.
A Legacy of Courage
Colonel Herbert Dilag's story stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and selflessness inherent in the Filipino soldier. His extraordinary actions during the battle at Hill 898 not only saved lives but also set a high standard of military service. The Medal for Valor he received is a well-deserved award, symbolizing his heroism and serving as an inspiration for future generations of soldiers.
Colonel Dilag is a living legend and the only active recipient of the Medal for Valor, embodying the spirit of courage and leadership that our nation values. His legacy not only honors his valor but also motivates us to uphold the highest standards of leadership and service. We need more leaders like Colonel Dilag to guide our nation with the same dedication and bravery.
