Soldier in Zambo killed on wife's birthday

MANILA - An Army official deployed in Zamboanga City was killed by Moro National Liberation Front rebels Thursday, on the exact date of his wife's birthday. Erlinda Rama was inconsolable after her husband, First Lieutenant John Kristopher Rama, was killed in a gunbattle with a group of MNLF fighters. Rama was the twelfth soldier to die in the Zamboanga standoff. "Naka-text pa po siya sa akin 'good morning be' tapos nag-greet ng 'happy birthday' yun na lang last contact namin," Erlinda said. Rama was deployed to Zamboanga City on September 10. He and his men were conducting clearing operations when they were attacked by MNLF forces. Several of his men were wounded in the gunfight. Despite wearing a protective vest and helmet, Rama was killed after being shot in the face. Rama became the first Army official to be killed in battle in Zamboanga City. The night before he died, Rama had spoken with his wife Erlinda. "Nung gabi ano na na siya pahinga na daw muna siya dahil mag-a-assault naman sila bukas. Sabi ko 'pahinga ka na.' Iyun na yung last na usap namin… Masakit kasi lalaki ng walang ama iyung anak ko. Ang liit-liit pa niya kasi," said Erlinda, referring to her one-year-old son with the slain soldier. Rama had been in service for five years and was a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 2008. He became a platoon leader, and administrative officer of the 1st Light Reaction Company. – with ANC