The body of one slain alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was claimed by his family, while his six other companions were buried in Candoni, Negros Occidental, on Friday, Nov. 22.
The seven alleged NPA rebels were killed in an encounter with soldiers of the Army’s 47th and 15th Infantry Battalions in Sitio Cogon, Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental, on Thursday.
The body of Jonel Saroa Anicito, 29, of Purok Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan, was claimed by his brother-in-law, Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said.
The family of Anicito thought he was in Manila working as he had been gone for several months, Javines said.
The Army’s 47th IB, in coordination with the Candoni local government, police and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, buried the six other slain rebels on Friday.
Buried at the public cemetery in Barangay Poblacion West, Candoni, following rites officiated by Rev. Fr. John Calidquid, were alleged rebels identified by their aliases – Janine/Katat, Mark, Ping/Wanny, Fita, Nonoy, and Jacob, the 47th IB said.
Lt. Col. Magno M. Mapalad III, 47th Infantry Battalion commander, reiterated the government’s call for peace.
“We urge the remaining Communist terrorist group members to surrender and return to their families. The government is ready to support those who seek to reintegrate into society and pursue a peaceful life. It is not too late to choose a better path,” he said.
The soldiers of the 47th and 15th IB recovered five M-16 assault rifles, two AK 47 automatic rifles, a M653 assault rifle, grenade and an improvised explosive device from the encounter site, Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 302nd Infantry Brigade, said on Thursday.*