GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Scout Ranger Private First Class Felmark Dalogdog of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion was part of the first unit deployed to Marawi City after heavy fighting broke out between government forces and extremists on May 23.

On June 20, a sniper bullet ended his life in the conflict zone. He was 27.

On Thursday, the slain ranger's remains were brought back home, arriving to full military honors at the airport.

Troops of the Philippine Army's 27th Infantry Battalion led the honors for the fallen soldier as Colonel Tyne Bañas, commander of 1002nd Brigade, said he deserved a hero's welcome.

"Ang pagbubuwis ng buhay ay hindi madali. Isa itong sakripisyo na hindi matatawaran. Kaya kami nandito para ipakita sa pamilya ang aming pakikisimpatiya at pakikiramay," said Bañas.

(Giving up one's life is not easy. This is a priceless sacrifice. We are here to show our sympathies and condolences to the family.)

Bañas also assured the family of their benefits, saying the military would do it's best to support the late soldier's loved ones.

Dalogdog, 27, was a resident of Maasim in Sarangani Province.

His brother, PFC Ken Carlo Dalogdog, was also deployed in Marawi City. He said he never expected that his brother would be killed.

"Hindi ko inasahan ito, sir. Nagulat nalang ako na tinawagan ako sa ground na patay na siya," said Ken Carlo.

(I did not expect this, sir. I was shocked when they called me on the ground, saying he was already dead.)

Dalogdog's wife Mary Ann accepted her husband's fate but said life without him would not be easy for her, especially as he promised to accompany her in a medical operation.

"Proud ako sa kanya. Masakit pero tanggap ko na ang nangyari. Maalaga 'yon sa akin, hindi ako 'nun pinapabayaan. Ngayon naman, ako na ang magsusukli ng pagmamahal niya," she said.

(I'm proud of him. It hurts, but I've already accepted what has happened. He was very caring towards me, he never neglected me. Now, I will be the one to return his love.)

His family and relatives in GenSan and Sarangani are very proud of the slain soldier.

Dalogdog is set to be laid to rest on June 30 in Maasim, Sarangani Province.