13/11/2025
Capt. Chester 'Bem' Barela, DBA '97
Captain Chester Barela: Hero of Basilan
Captain Chester Barela, then 1st Lieutenant and executive officer of the 4th Scout Ranger Company in the Philippine Army, was among the courageous soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in a fierce day-long firefight in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, in August 2009.
Key Details of his Service and Sacrifice:
* Rank and Unit: 1st Lieutenant Chester Barela, Executive Officer, 4th Scout Ranger Company.
* Incident: He perished during a major clash with al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf rebels, with reports also indicating the involvement of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F).
* Casualty: This particular engagement was one of the deadliest in recent memory, resulting in the deaths of 23 government troops (comprising both Marines and Army personnel) and a total of over 50 fatalities.
* Recognition: Lt. Barela was known as an esteemed and gallant officer. He had previously been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star, the nation's second-highest military award, for his leadership in a successful raid against other armed groups.
* Burial: He was laid to rest with full military honors, a testament to his dedicated service to the nation.
His legacy and the memory of his service are preserved, as evidenced by a video titled "War Story: https://youtu.be/fUHDNMj6kSg?si=bGs7Ltkwed6IMMU9
The day we lost 24 soldiers, our beloved officer, Lt Chester Barela, among them."