Heroic cadet laid to rest in Mankayan

MANKAYAN, Benguet  – “Hero-cadet”  Bryx Lee S. Betong who sacrificed his own life so that his brother and uncle would live was laid to rest at the front yard in his grandfather’s home Monday here at sitio Batbato.

Betong's family received the cadet's Bronze Cross medal for his act of heroism. Betong was spending “quality time” with his family over the holidays but died when he saved his younger brother and uncle from drowning at an irrigation canal in Cervantes town, Ilocos Sur.

In a simple prayer service, the Philippine Military Academy, through Lt. Gen. Irineo Espino, awarded Betong his medal and also presented to cadet's parents cash support from the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Cadet Individual Saving Account.

For his heroic act, Betong’s casket was also draped with the Philippine Flag.

Bronze Cross Medal is awarded to individuals who have shown acts of heroism.

Betong’s school teacher, Elsie Cervantes, described the cadet as "humble, good-hearted, industrious, intelligent and God-fearing." Though he is a silent-type person, he talked with sense and he always meant what he said."

The 19-year-old cadet, who was on vacation from schooling at the National Defense College of Japan, was an honor student in primary school and a leader in secondary school. Betong was the president of the Supreme Youth Council and even represented his school in a national leadership seminar.

During his third year in high school, Betong was chosen as the “Darling of the Crowd” for his good looks and charisma, his teacher said. 

As a young child, Betong always wanted to be a soldier. Upon graduation from high school, Betong took and passed the examination to join the Marines, but his parents did not allow him to go.

Being an obedient son, Betong took up education at the University of Baguio.

Still, Betong wanted to become a military man. He took the PMA entrance exam and become a cadet in the Academy. Betong saved his younger brother and uncle from imminent death at an irrigation canal at sitio Baoangan, Comilla South, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur last Jan. 1.

Owing to his heoric acts,  Betong earned honor for himself, the PMA and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole, said PMA superintendent Lt. Gen. Espino.

“Though his life was cut short, he has lived it fully well. He is a hero, to the Cadet Corps and to us. He loved his family and he showed this when he readily and unselfishly put himself at risk to save his sibling and uncle who were in danger. He, like many of our heroic soldiers in the field, gave the ultimate sacrifice, so that others may live.”

Hero-cadet” Bryx Lee S. Betong who sacrificed his own life so that his brother and uncle would live was laid to rest at the front yard in his grandfather’s home Monday at sitioBatbato, Mankayan, Benguet.

Betong was an original member of PMA Sinaglahi Class 2015 who was on break status from his schooling at the Japanese National Defense Academy in Japan when the incident happened.