By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The remains of the suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members killed in a series of encounters were recovered from Barangay Pinapugusan’s Sitio Mansulao in Negros Occidental’s Escalante City over the weekend.
The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) identified the fatalities as Emaren Pastidio, Michael Cabahug and Jose Caramihan.
Lt. Colonel Arnel Calaogan, 79IB commander, said Pastidio and Cabahug were previously identified as “child soldiers,” and had also been captured by them.
They were given the chance to live a normal life with their families, he claimed, but they rejoined the NPA.
Pastidio was also identified by the Philippine Army as a high-ranking member of the dismantled NPA’s Northern Negros Front, serving as their medic and cultural officer.
He is also believed to have married Renato Salino Jr., also the front’s high-ranking official.
Their bodies were turned over to the village officials, with San Carlos City Bishop Gerardo Alminaza and Dian-ay parish priest, Fr. Wilfredo Bayohin, as witnesses.
Authorities also brought down the confiscated weapons and explosives, and immediately turned them over to the Scene of the Crime Operatives.
Calaogan said they want the remains of three suspected rebels to receive a decent burial.
The 79IB also called for a meeting with Pinapugasan village officials, assuring them that they would continue to ensure the safety of the residents, and keep the village free from the influence of communism.
Wounded Personnel Medal
Four soldiers, including an active auxiliary member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), were wounded during the encounters last week.
They were identified as 2nd Lt. Frenz Jarey Gonzales, Private First Class (PFC) Sandie Cebayle, PFC Jiezard Mesina, and CAFGU Active Auxiliary Eduardo Linogon.
The soldiers are now recovering at a private hospital in the capital Bacolod City.
Deputy commander, Colonel Victor Llapitan of the 303rd Infantry Brigade visited the wounded soldiers on Friday, February 23, and awarded them with the Wounded Personnel Medal in recognition for their heroic and exemplary efforts in battling the NPA.
“The medal symbolizes the bravery of our soldiers in facing our common enemy, the Communist NPA terrorists, and I salute each and every one of them for their selfless service and dedication in serving the people and protecting the peace in Negros,” Llapitan said.
A total of eight clashes have erupted in northern Negros since February 21, after the 79IB received information that the suspected NPA rebels were extorting food and supplies from residents.
The gun battles culminated with an airstrike by the Philippine Air Force on Thursday night, February 22.
Cleared
Meanwhile, evacuees from last week’s clashes in northern Negros were allowed to return home after authorities declared the encounter sites safe.
Escalante police chief, Major John Ganzon, said more than a hundred families from Pinapugasan were allowed to return after the 79IB declared that it was safe for residents to go back to their homes.
Ganzon said the city government has also extended additional assistance to the affected residents./With Jen Baylon / DGB, WDJ