Chris Lorenz Fabian was posthumously awarded the Gold Gallantry and Heroism Award, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines’ (BSP) highest honor for exceptional courage.
In a social media post on June 26, the BSP announced that Fabian would receive its “highest, most sacred tribute” in recognition of his extraordinary bravery in the face of grave danger.
Fabian was one of the three students killed in the June 22 Tacloban school shooting. According to reports, he died while trying to protect his classmates by closing their classroom door as two armed students opened fire inside the school.
“Some heroes wear medals; their bravery etched in metal. Others become the very reason someone else is still alive. When destiny demanded everything, Chris did not hesitate. His final act was not just a reflection of the Scout Oath; it was its ultimate manifestation,” the announcement read.
“The brotherhood of Scouting bows its head. One final, enduring Scout Salute to you, Scout Chris Lorenz T. Fabian. Your name is written in honor, your courage is eternal, and you will never, ever be forgotten,” it added.
The following day, on June 27, representatives of the organization, International Commissioner Mark Roy L. Boado and Deputy Secretary General David Dominic M. Lanuza, personally presented the award to Fabian’s family during a visit to his wake.
“[…] conveying the deepest sympathies of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the gratitude of the Scouting community for his courage and service. The Scouting community extends its deepest condolences to the Fabian family and keeps them in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the separate post read.
