iKalinga Medal of Valor awardee featured in the film 'In thy Name'

Tabuk City, Kalinga - An iKalinga medal of valor awardee Col. Herbert D. Dilag has been featured in a film which recounts the story of a priest abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in which brave soldiers fought hard to save lives.

Released on March 5, 2025, the film was entitled “In Thy Name” wherein Dilag was portrayed by actor Jerome Ponce.

Dilag, whose roots are from Pantikian, Balbalan, Kalinga and Benguet, but their family settled in Tabuk City, graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1998 and embarked on a successful military career. In 2000, he was awarded the “Medal for Valor”, the highest honor in the Philippine Army.

The award was given to him because of the courage and leadership he showed during a critical military mission against a militant group in Basilan. 

Dilag’s story of bravery 

Before receiving the award and achieving his position, Dilag went through intense battles and one of those was when he and his comrades faced the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan in 2000.

In March that year, the Abu Sayyaf group kidnapped 28 civilians, including schoolchildren, a Catholic priest, and two teachers. The hostages were held in Hill 898, inside Camp Abdurrajak in Punoh Mohaji, Isabela, Basilan.

At that time, Second Lieutenant Dilag was tasked to lead a scout rangers unit to track down the kidnappers and rescue the hostages. The troop, named the "suicide squad", consisted of fourteen highly-trained soldiers, all determined to carry out the mission despite the danger. 

The army troop launched a full-scale attack upon discovering the Abu Sayyaf camp on April 28, the same year. The team moved forward and fought with courage, clearing enemy bunkers and fighting close combat with the fully-armed militants.

The gun battle lasted for three days and the troop suffered casualties with some wounded. Dilag carried his injured buddies one by one and placed them in a safe location. Then, he continued the gun fight using a sniper rifle. With it, he neutralized 27 rebels. The militants were forced to retreat on April 30.

After the three-day firefight, the other hostages were rescued and came back home alive, but sadly, the two teachers were found beheaded. 

With his exceptional act of heroism, Dilag was awarded the Medal of Valor. Said award is given to soldiers who show great courage in combat situations, regardless of their own safety. 

Colonel Dilag's story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino heroes.