During a military operation in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, Layaguin attempted to come to the aid of a fellow Marine Corporal Laurence Narag Sr., who had conducted reconnaissance on an entrenched MILF position but was detected and drew sniper fire.

[2] "For acts of conspicuous courage, gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Corpsman, 61st Marine Company, Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Navy during a 10-hour encounter with about 200 fully armed MILF rebels that were encamped at Sitio Ilian, Delabayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte on 03 April 2002.

He later on shielded Corporal Narag with his own body to secure the latter and the radio which is the most important thing they had at that moment and to which the lives of the rest of the team depended upon.

After dragging the radioman to a safer distance, he tended to the wounds of his comrade, but unfortunately, a second sniper's bullet found its mark on his forehead that killed him instantaneously.

His gallant deed so inspired the other members of the team to fight on more fiercely, that after 10-hour gun-battle, the enemy suffered 40 killed and a great number were wounded which forced them to flee in different directions.