TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Army facilitated the dignified burial of a combatant of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who was killed in an encounter on 25 February in the hinterlands of Barangay Cabalagnan, Hinabangan, Samar.
Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, commanding officer of the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion, said his unit coordinated with the local government units of Hinabangan and San Sebastian for the return of the body of alias “Homer” to his family and the conduct of a proper burial.
“Homer” was laid to rest in his hometown of San Sebastian on 27 February following religious rites.
Rosalejos described the slain rebel as a notorious NPA leader who was facing multiple warrants of arrest for various criminal charges.
He was killed in an armed encounter between government troops from the 63rd Infantry Battalion and remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame in a forested area of Barangay Cabalagnan. The operation was launched in response to reports from residents about the presence of armed men in the community.
Rosalejos said that while the military remains firm in its mandate to protect communities from armed threats, it is equally committed to upholding the dignity of every human life.
“In our pursuit of bringing peace to the communities we serve, the 63rd Infantry Battalion’s coordination with the LGUs reflects our highest regard for humanitarian law and respect for cultural and moral obligations, even for those who took up arms against the government,” he said.
Rosalejos also renewed the Army’s call for remaining members of the communist terrorist groups operating in Samar and Eastern Samar to abandon the armed struggle and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.
Meanwhile, Hinabangan Mayor Clarito Rosal said the armed struggle is a futile fight that undermines peace and development efforts.
Rosal urged rebels to take advantage of the National Amnesty Program while the application period remains open and surrender to begin a new chapter free from violence.