CAPTAIN, 0-9786, PHILIPPINE ARMY
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty during an encounter with about 150 Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang members at Sitio Caro, Barangay Lower Kapayawan, Isabela, Basilan on 13 Scout Ranger Regiment, Philippine Army.
When task Group Panther received reports on the enemy concentration, it immediately dispatched one platoon under CAPTAIN SOBEJANA to check the area. Observing the position of the enemy, he sighted about 20 armed enemies loitering near a cluster of houses. After assessing the situation, he directed his men to attack. Alerted to the ensuing firefight, several Abu Sayyaf groups from nearby areas arrived to reinforce their comrades, cutting the troops from the supporting section. As the battle raged, firepower and numerical superiority of the enemy became apparent as members of the First Scout Ranger Company incurred casualties.
After two hours of continuous firefight, CAPTAIN SOBEJANA was hit in the lower right arm as he went for the radio of fallen soldier. Bravely holding his ground, he sustained a second bullet wound that almost severed his right arm. Still, he controlled all fire directions to best defend their position and repulse the encircling enemy. Even as a third bullet shattered his rifle, he never lost composure, though in pain. He repeatedly maneuvered around, exposing himself to enemy fire to direct the battle and operate the radio.
After almost four hours of intense fighting, armored reinforcements from the Task group Panther and the 4th Scout Ranger Company secured the area and evacuates the wounded. Reports placed the enemy casualties at 30 killed and confirmed number of wounded. By this gallantry, CAPTAIN SOBEJANA distinguished himself in combat, in keeping with the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery.
(Reference: GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 1314, dated 19 December 1974, General Headquarters, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City)
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