Following encounters in Northern Samar
TACLOBAN CITY – The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) has confirmed the identities of seven out of eight suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed during twin encounters with government troops on July 31 in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar.
In a statement released Monday, August 4, the 8ID said it had been working closely with the local government unit of Las Navas to facilitate funeral arrangements, in accordance with cultural and legal protocols and respect for human dignity, as guided by International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
The following rebels, all affiliated with the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), were officially identified: Richard Jumadiao alias “Joban” – known Communist leader of the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan; alias “Berbon” – Vice Squad Leader, Independent Squad, Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU); Edgar Baselga alias “Ali” – Squad Leader, Squad 1, RGU; Marciano Pecayo alias “Lakay”; Jinky Senobio alias “Sinag” – Member, Squad 1, RGU; alias “Desoy” – Member, RGU; and alias “Rico” – Member, RGU.
They were identified through the help of their former comrades while the identity of the eighth fatality is still being verified.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8ID which is based in Catbalogan City, Samar, said the military remains committed to upholding IHL even in conflict situations.
“While these individuals chose to take up arms and engage in acts of terror, we continue to uphold our duty to treat the dead with dignity,” Orio said. “We are working closely with LGUs to locate and inform the families of the deceased, ensuring proper notification and retrieval of the bodies.”
The clashes on July 31 came after troops from the 8ID acted on reports from concerned civilians about the presence of armed rebels threatening farmers in the area. The military recovered 10 high-powered firearms, including a K3 light machine gun and M16 rifles, at the scene of the encounter.
Orio again urged remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and return to civilian life through the government’s reintegration programs.
“Let this be a turning point,” he added. “There is still time to return home and start anew. The government is ready to help you.”
The military is coordinating with the local government to support the identification and turnover of the remains to their families.
(JOEY A. GABIETA, ROEL T. AMAZONA)
