The Philippine Army has deployed four Israeli-made Sabrah ASCOD 2 Light Tanks to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM), the first of 12 tanks delivered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be deployed in the region. Transported from Cavite aboard the Philippine Navy’s BRP Bacolod City, the tanks are now stationed at Camp Sultan Barodin in Iligan City. Equipped with 105mm cannons and armored protection systems, they are expected to strengthen territorial defense and support internal security operations. One tank was named in honor of Army Capt. Rommel B. Sandoval, a Medal of Valor awardee who was killed during the 2017 Marawi siege.
On September 10, 2017, during the final stages of the Battle of Marawi, Captain Rommel Sandoval sacrificed his life while attempting to rescue his wounded subordinate, Corporal Jayson Mante, who was trapped under enemy fire inside a five-story building. Despite being shot while reaching the corporal, Sandoval used his own body as a human shield to protect him from further gunfire. Sandoval and PFC Sherwin Canapi were killed in the rescue attempt, but Mante survived. For his extraordinary courage, selfless sacrifice, and leadership, Sandoval was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor, the Philippines’ highest military award for bravery.
