Remains of Agta rebel forced to join armed movement to be given decent burial

Cagayan, Philippines – The family members of an Agta rebel said to have been forced to join the armed movement were given the chance to give their loved one a decent burial.

The remains of Brenda Antonio aka ‘Michelle’ of Barangay Peru, Lasam were recovered by the authorities on Sept. 12 in Rizal, Cagayan, according to the 5th Infantry Division.

A former rebel told authorities that Michelle died when she was hit by a tree at the height of a typhoon in Rizal, Cagayan. This former insurgent added that Michelle was abandoned by her comrades in Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan.

Through the information, the 17th Infantry Battalion(IB) headed by its Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Oliver Logan was able to locate the remains of Michelle along with an M16 rifle and ammunition.

Michelle has spent two years in the armed movement after she was ‘forced’ to join the New People’s Army in exchange of a better life.

5th ID reported on Sept. 13 that Michelle’s body was already with the authorities which will fulfill her family’s wish to see her for the last time and to bury her appropriately.

502nd Infantry Brigade Commander, BGen. Eugene Mata reiterated that the government’s door is always open to the remaining members of the CPP-NPA in Cagayan, enjoining them to start a peaceful life and surrender.

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