The bodies of six of seven alleged New People Army rebels, including a University of the Philippines Cebu alumna, killed in an encounter with government soldiers in Barangay, Tapi, Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental, have been claimed by their families.
Meanwhile, a civilian wounded during Sunday’s armed clash is in stable condition, Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said.
The civilian identified as Marcel Camangyan Anguit was immediately brought to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, where he is currently receiving medical care, Lamzon said.
The body of Dee Supelanas, a UP Cebu alumna who was a transwoman activist and student leader, arrived at her home in Brgy. Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu, on Tuesday morning.
The Army said Jhon Isidor Supelanas, alias Dalia, who was killed in the encounter, was a political instructor of the New People’s Army South West Front.
The bodies of Jhonrey Mejares alias Jai and JR – a political instructor, Glendel Tinio Mejares alias Ayin – medical officer, and Charity Amacan alias Cha and Leah – squad leader and former secretary of the NPA’s Southeast Front; Reniel Locsin Cellon alias Kumpol and Adie – squad leader and former commanding officer, and Mary Jane Maguilat, alias Shonie, Chinchin and Shedi – vice squad leader of the Southwest Front have also been claimed by their families.
Only the body of alias Pitong, a medical officer of the Southwest Front, has not been claimed.
“We regret that a civilian was injured during the encounter, and we are ensuring that he receives the best possible medical care. We also extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed, regardless of their affiliations. Every life lost in armed conflict is a tragedy,” Maj. Gen. Michael G. Samson, 3ID commander, said in a press statement on Tuesday.
“The presence of CTG (communist terrorist group) remnants in our communities continues to threaten peace and endanger innocent lives. This incident is a stark reminder of why our efforts to end the local communist armed conflict must continue. We call on the remaining members to lay down their arms and choose the path of peace while there is still time,” he added.*