Six of the 10 rebels who were killed in an encounter with state forces in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, were laid to rest Monday, March 29, at the city’s public cemetery.
The burial rites were led by the city government and the state forces, along with the families of the suspected members of the New People’s Army.
Only one of the 10 cadavers was left unclaimed by his family. He was identified by the Army as Alias Jek-Jek of Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City.
The 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army also released Monday the names of the rebels killed in the three-hour firefight in Barangay Trinidad on March 23.
They are:
- Jojo “Troy” Alpitche, commander ofthe NPA’s SDG Platoon, and resident of Barangay Binobohan, Guihulngan City
- Eduardo “Idu” Tormis of Barangay Trinidad
- Felicito Robert “Alias Jon/June” Quiñanola of Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padila, Negros Occidental
- Argie “Diego” Casulay of Barangay Trinidad
- Roberto “Jonas” Litong Jr. of Barangay Luz, Guihulngan City – Ringie “Eron” Gadiano of Barangay Trinidad
- Felix Jojo “Pidu” Saputalo of Barangay Trinidad-
- Regie “Bosto” Remasog of Barangay Riverside, Isabela, Negros Occidental
- Jeryneboy “Jecky” Timagus of Barangay Trinidad.
The clash also led to the arrest of two suspected rebels and the recovery of 11 high-powered firearms.
Maj. Cenon Pancito III, 3ID public affairs office chief, said one of the arrested persons was said to be a 17-year-old resident of Canlaon City. He was wounded in the firefight.
The other captured individual, identified as Julio Rabot, who was initially reported as a suspected member of the rebel group, was said to be a mass supporter and was released by the police.
Pancito said Rabot had no direct involvement in the encounter.
The reported 68 Barangay Trinidad residents who fled the area following the encounter have already returned to their residences, he added.*