Body of young rebel killed in Army-NPA clash found

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13): Body of young rebel killed in Army-NPA clash found

Army troops conducting hot pursuit operation against the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels found the body of a young rebel killed during the Sunday encounter with the government forces in Paquibato District in this city.

Major Ezra Balagtey, chief of information of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said the body has been retrieved and identified after it was turned over by unidentified persons to the Barangay Captain of Paradise Embac, Paquibato on Monday, June 12.

Elements of 16th Infantry Battalion, while responding to reports that an undetermined number of rebels were consolidating in Sitio Bajada in Paradise Embac early morning on Sunday.

In the encounter, two soldiers were killed and six other were wounded during the encounter.

Balagtey identified the young rebel killed as John Paul Satoqiua Cabase, alias Joshua, 17 years old and a resident of Sitio Quarry, Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District, this city.

“He was identified and claimed by his cousin Arden Gallardo Garcia of the same sitio. Garcia also confirmed that Joshua is a member of the communist terrorist NPA,” Balagtey said.

After the encounter, the government troopers recovered an M653 Colt AR18 with serial number 127538 with one magazine long, two jungle bags, one civilian bag, electrical wire and other belongings.

Major Gen. Noel Clement, Commander of Joint Task Haribon condemned the NPA for using minors in their armed struggle.

"We condemn the NPAs of using minors in their struggle. It contradicts their claim as human rights protectors,” Clement said.

He also challenged the NPA to spare the children and allow them to explore their potentials in school and not in a terrorist armed group that encourages violence.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995024