BY ALLAN JAY & AMYRA VARKISA
SIBU: A sombre air descended over the grounds of St Anthony’s Chapel as the body of Corporal Petrus Linggi Liman arrived at Camp Oya yesterday (Sept 24).
The 29-year-old soldier, a member of the Third Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment (3RRD), had his life tragically cut short in a fatal shooting incident near Mile 5, Jalan Balak Multiplus in Song, on Monday (Sept 23).
In a solemn military ceremony, led by Sgt Sathis Kumar Kanasen and eight rank-and-file members, the final respects were paid in accordance with regimental tradition.
The 3RRD commanding officer Lt-Col Majani Japon also presented a donation to Petrus’ grieving family and offered words of comfort to find strength in this time of unimaginable loss.
Also present was 3RRD Armed Forces Family Welfare Board chairperson Jamayah Bujang.
Meanwhile, speaking from afar, Petrus’ cousin, Desmond Leo Naga Janting, 27, shared the heartbreak of not being able to return to bid his final farewell to the man, whom he considered not just a cousin, but a brother.
“I never imagined he would leave us so soon.
“The last time I saw him was during Gawai last year. I had messaged him on July 18 to ask how he was, and I never thought that would be the last time we spoke,” he said.
For Leo, who is currently overseas, the grief is overwhelming.
He said both of them were like brothers and good friends since childhood. Even though they had gone their separate ways in life, they would always reunite during Gawai Dayak Festival and year-end holidays.
“He was quiet, but he had a way of making everyone laugh. He was resilient, independent – everything a soldier should be,” he said.
Petrus’ death has left a profound void, especially in his family, where he was the only son among five siblings.
“He was the hope of his family,” he said.
The echoes of a life lived with purpose, yet taken too soon, hung heavily in the air at Camp Oya, as those who loved and respected Petrus gathered to honour his sacrifice.
The late Petrus will be buried this Friday (Sept 27) at Rumah Janting Dundang, Sungai Lemujan, Pakan in Sarikei.
