Army discovers human skeleton in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 11): Army discovers human skeleton in Bukidnon

SOUTH POBLACION, MARAMAG, Bukidnon — The army’s combat troops discovered a human skeleton in an abandoned camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon on Tuesday, May 6, morning.

Lt. Col. Jose Leonard Gille, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division said the patrolling military led by Cpt. Jojo L. Mascarinas of the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB) discovered the human skeleton in an abandoned NPA campground at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad in the farming sub-village of Lirongan, Talakag, Bukidnon.

After a thorough search in the area, the troops found a human skeleton wearing rain boots (botas) with civilian headgear, basketball jersey and empty shells of caliber 5.56mm M16 rifle next to the skeleton, Gille said.

“The unidentified human skeleton was believed to be a member of Guerilla Front Committee 68 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee who was part of the group encountered by the 8IB troops in Basak, Lantapan, Bukidnon last March 2014,” he said.

Lt. Col. Lynart D. Castisimo, Commanding Officer of the 23IB said the communist rebels must have killed their wounded comrade who was a burden as they fled at the height of the military pursuit operations.

He said this is a clear manifestation that the New People’s Army has no concern or respect with their fallen comrades.

“The troops brought the human skeleton and his other belongings to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon and will be turned-over to PNP's Scence-of-the-crime operatives (SOCO) for examination and proper disposition,” Castisimo said.

Meanwhile, Gille said a decent burial will be afforded to the discovered skeletal remains after possible identification and all other protocols done.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1501399767294