[4] Buan was captured and held by the communist New People's Army in July 1999 while serving as an intelligence officer with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command.

[5] In 2004, while serving as commander of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion in Basilan, Buan orchestrated a military operation that resulted in the deaths of Abu Sayyaf leader Hamsiraji Marusi Sali and his brother Sahir.

[9] Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal, NPA spokesman, stated that Buan was steadfast in captivity and even managed to escape and evade his captors for 12 hours in December 2000.

Aware of the dangers of becoming a possible hostage victim himself, LIEUTENANT COLONEL BUAN took the risk of putting his life as a bait in order that Commander Hamsiraji SALI and his group will engage them.

Despite the terrorists overwhelming advantages, LIEUTENANT COLONEL BUAN succeeded in reversing the situation by directing his men to aggressively engage and assault at all costs and to hold the line.

Unmindful of his personal safety, he rallied and stayed in the encounter site and supervised the administration of first aid and recovery of high powered fire arms.