BONGABON, Nueva Ecija – Three more bodies, all females, were recovered during the clearing operation of government security forces in the area of encounter between suspected New People’s Army rebels and the Army in the hinterland of Barangay Malbang, Pantabangan town.
This raised to 10 the number of fatalities, all from the rebels’ side, in the encounter that occurred in the afternoon of June 26, the military said.
Two of the fatalities were identified as Andrie Dela Cruz alias “Lay/Rowen/Lunti,” political instructor of Platun Silangan Gitnang Luzon; and Azase Galang alias “Cha.” One was yet to be identified by the authorities, a statement showed.
Brig. Gen. Joseph Norwin Pasamote, commander of the 703rd Brigade, said that five of the seven fatalities have already been identified. They were Hilario Guiuo alias “Berting,” acting secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon Gitnang Luzon and commander of regional operational command; Harold Sarenas Meñosa alias “Luzon,” commander of Platun Silangan Gitnang Luzon; Pepito Trinidad Bautista alias “Dylan,” team leader of Squad Tersera of PSGL; Reynan Mendoza alias “Mel,” and Archie Anceta, alias “Joel.”
Efforts to identify the remaining bodies continue, Pasamonte said.
At least ten 10 high-powered firearms, one low-powered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings were recovered from the encounter site, the military reported.
Pasamonte commended the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion for their victory against the CTG in Nueva Ecija and for their commitment to preserve the peace and security in the area.
“We would like to express our sympathy to the bereaved families of those who died and I am saddened that they reached to this point. Hindi nagkukulang ang gobyerno sa panawagan na sumuko na at magbagong buhay. Handa ang gobyernong tanggapin ang may gustong yakapin ang kapayapaan para makapiling ang kanilang pamilya. Nawa’y magsilbi itong aral sa mga natitirang CTG na ipinaglalaban ang kanilang huwad na ideolohiya.” Pasamonte said.
