ILIGAN CITY — Army officers and local officials are paying tribute to Lt. Col. Rommel A. Endozo, head of the 1002nd Community Defense Center, for his leadership and contributions to peacekeeping following his death from stage 4 lung cancer on October 7.
Brig. Gen. Bernardo A. Taqueban, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, paid his last respects to Endozo during his wake at St. Peter’s Funeral Chapel in Sta. Filomena, Iligan City, on Thursday, October 8.
Taqueban described Endozo as an officer with strong leadership potential, recalling his service as civil-military operations officer of the 5th Mechanized “Kaagapay” Battalion and later as executive officer to then-Col. Ronel M. Manalo, now commanding general of the Army’s Armor “Pambato” Division.
Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao, a reserve officer who holds the rank of lieutenant colonel and commands the 1002nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion, also recognized Endozo’s leadership in peacekeeping initiatives.
Endozo, 47, had led the 1002nd Community Defense Center under the 10th Regional Community Defense Group of the Philippine Army Reserve Command in Iligan City for more than a year.
His wife, Lorrabelle Kaye Paglinawan Endozo, said he had been battling lung cancer since 2022. He died at Mercy Hospital in Camague, Iligan City.
Before his death, Endozo expressed in a video statement his wish to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. His family will coordinate with the military regarding the request.
A native of Bonbon, Butuan City, Endozo is survived by his wife and their three children, Kairo, Krosbe and Rokiah.
