TACLOBAN CITY — Government forces have confirmed the identity of a decomposing body recovered in Hinabangan, Samar as that of a suspected communist rebel leader, following DNA analysis conducted by authorities.
In a statement released Wednesday, April 22,the Philippine Army said the remains were identified as Lupito Bucatcat, also known as alias “Hunyo,” who was reportedly a leader of an armed group operating in Eastern Visayas.
The identification was established through DNA testing by the Philippine National Police forensic unit after the remains were recovered by troops of the 63rd Infantry Battalion during clearing operations on March 14 in Barangays Cabalagnan and Tabay, Hinabangan.
Military reports indicated that the body was discovered weeks after an encounter between government forces and members of the New People’s Army in the area.
Authorities said Bucatcat was believed to have been wounded during an earlier clash on February 25 and was left behind when other fighters retreated.
Due to the advanced state of decomposition, officials said DNA testing was necessary to confirm the identity of the remains.
The military said the family of the deceased has already been informed of the results.
Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, noted that the identification highlights the coordination between the military and police in ongoing security operations in Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
