19 January 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today conveyed the sympathies of the Philippine Government to the family of Specialist Solomon Bangayan, a Filipino who served in the 82nd Airborne of the US Army who was killed in an ambush in Baghdad on 2 January 2004.

“I would like to convey to the family and friends of Specialist Bangayan our deepest sympathies for their loss.  Last Saturday we welcomed home a hero and a fellow Filipino who fought and gave up his life so that the people of a country long oppressed can live -- free from fear, with hope in their hearts and a secure future for them and their children,” Secretary Albert said.

The remains of Specialist Bangayan arrived Saturday at the NAIA, from the United States.  The remains were accompanied by the mother and sister of the deceased and was brought directly to the Bangyan ancestral home in San Francisco Norte, Supiden, La Union, to lie in state until 24 January 2004.  Interment will be on
24 July 2004 at the San Francisco Norte Cemetery in Sudipen, La Union, with full military honors.

“We continue to share in the vision of a democratic and pluralistic Iraq, at peace with itself and its neighbors.  We continue to believe that a peaceful Iraq means a safer and more stable Middle East for our Filipinos there,” the Secretary said.  She added that it is for these reasons that she is looking into ways to extend the stay of the Philippine Humanitarian Contingent to Iraq.

“The members of our own Contingent remain safe and in high spirits. They are making a big difference in the lives of the people of Iraq.  Their initial six-month deployment will be up next month and we hope to extend their stay for another six months, resources allowing,” the Secretary said.

In response to certain queries, Secretary Albert said that the military honors will be carried out by US military officials in coordination with Philippine military officials.  She said that there will be the traditional gun salute but
that the weapons and the conduct of the firing will be under the proper supervision of Philippine authorities. END.