TACLOBAN CITY — The remains of a man identified by the Philippine Army as a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) have been brought to his hometown in Northern Samar following an armed encounter in Leyte.
The deceased was identified by the Army as Erwin Bantilo, alias “Romnick.”
The 93rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Battalion coordinated with local government units, government agencies and Bantilo’s family for the proper handling and transport of his remains from Leyte to Pambujan, Northern Samar.
His brother, Allan Bantillo, personally claimed the remains and took responsibility for bringing them home for burial arrangements.
The city government of Baybay, led by Mayor Jose Carlos Cari, assisted during the initial coordination, while the Kananga municipal government under Mayor Matt Torres helped facilitate arrangements for the handling and transport of the remains.
Upon arrival in Pambujan, the municipal government under Mayor Owen Lamberto Siervo assisted the family and facilitated the onward transport of the remains to their place of origin.
The 93rd Infantry Battalion said the coordinated effort was undertaken to ensure that the deceased was treated with dignity and that his family received assistance throughout the transfer.
The battalion also emphasized the importance of humanitarian considerations amid armed conflict, including respect for human life and humane treatment of individuals and affected families.
The Philippine Army continues to conduct security operations against armed groups as part of its mandate to protect communities while observing humanitarian principles in its dealings with affected individuals and families.
The 93rd Infantry Battalion thanked the local governments of Baybay, Kananga and Pambujan, as well as government personnel and agencies that assisted in returning Bantilo’s remains to his family.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
