Body of slain rebel in Pasil claimed by relatives for proper burial

Pasil, Kalinga — The body of the slain rebel during the armed encounter in Bagtayan, Pasil yesterday has already been claimed by his relatives for proper burial, says 50th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer.

In a phone interview, Lieutenant Colonel Melanio Somera informed that after the body was brought down from the encounter site early morning this November 14, his relatives from Tanglag, Lubuagan claimed him.

Somera narrated that they sent 10 of their troops for a combat operation in Bagtayan on November 13 to verify a series of information about the sightings of armed men in the area who are asking for food and sometimes money from the people.

While the troops were in the area, they were able to discover the temporary hideout of at least 15 rebels believed to be members of the KLG BAGGAS.

“Nakita nila na may kawayan na daluyan ng tubig so ‘yun ‘yung sinundan nila papunta nga doon sa hideout nitong mga NPA na ito then doon nagkaputukan na,” Somera narrated, adding that the gunfight lasted for about 35 minutes before the communist terrorist group withdrew leaving behind one of their members who got killed.

Moreover, it is believed that some of the other rebels who run away have been injured due to traces of blood seen at the place of incident.

As of this writing, hot pursuit operation is still ongoing.

Meantime, the 50th IB commanding officer said that the people in Kalinga do not support the New People’s Army and that the communities are now cooperating with the authorities.

Somera assured the public that they have nothing to be scared of when reporting the presence of NPAs in their communities, since their identities will be kept and that their security will be ensured.

“Gusto lang namin iparating sa mga communities na we are always here to protect them and we make sure na safe sila once na may nagbibigay ng information tungkol sa mga kalaban,” he said.

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