The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) has activated a Special Investigation Task Group to establish the identities of bodies recovered following a series of “encounters” in Toboso, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.
Through forensic examination, documentation, and coordination with local government units and relatives, the task group aims to provide a formal accounting of the deceased, a PRO NIR statement said on Wednesday, April 22.
The Philippine Army earlier said that 19 alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed during a series of encounters with 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso in Negros Occidental, on April 19.
On Wednesday, April 22, PRO NIR confirmed that six of the 19 fatalities have been positively identified and claimed by their families.
They were identified as:
*Rene Villarin Sr., alias Kumader Pikot, 58, of Sitio Huwebisan, Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava;
*Roger Fabillar Tapang, alias Jhong/Arnel, 36, of Sitio Malig-on, Barangay Bandila, Toboso;
*Ruel Sabillo, 19, of Sitio Singiton, Barangay Tabun-ak, Toboso;
*Sonny Boy Manayon Caramihan, 28, of Sitio Batbataw, Barangay Bagonbon, San Carlos City;
*Pedro Agustin Bonghanoy, 32, of Barangay Libertad, Escalante City; and
* Arnel Mahilum Javoc, 32, of Sitio Labay-ao, Barangay Lalong, Calatrava.
PBGen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, PRO NIR Director, said that the successful identification and release of the remains reflect the regional office’s commitment to professionalism and humanitarian considerations.
Continuing efforts are now focused on identifying the other fatalities., the PRO NIR said.
Police authorities are currently validating submitted information, reviewing available records, and conducting further medico-legal and forensic documentation, it added.
The PRO NIR said they are facilitating the orderly release of all confirmed cadavers once the necessary documentary and legal requirements are fully completed.*
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