Army gives assistance to the families of slain NPA rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): Army gives assistance to the families of slain NPA rebels (By Freddie G. Lazaro)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug. 17 (PIA) - - The army’s 7th Infantry Division headed by Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr. extended financial assistance to the bereaved families of the slain New People’s Army (NPA) and civilian during the encounter in Barangay Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur on August 8.

Army Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia, the commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, said that Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr., the commander of the 81st Infantry Battalion (IB), visited the wake of the three slain NPAs, who are residents in Ilocos Sur to hand-over the cash aid to the grieving families.

The three killed NPAs were identified as Edgar Justo AKA Nardo and Rolando Marvil AKA Eugene, both residents of Barangay Bugnay, Candon City; and Rogelio Capulas AKA Asiong and Witiwit, a resident of Sitio Linggawa, Barangay Pidpid, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. All of them were members of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilya – Southern Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS).

The two other slain NPAs were residents in Cordillera Administrative Region. They were identified as Pamela Peralta AKA Maymay from Asin Road, Baguio City, the alleged political officer of the KLG-SIS and Marxes M. Dazon, 22, of Barangay Kayan, Tadian, Mountain Province.

“They may be on the other side but still they are Filipinos who fell victims to the deception of the communists led by Jose Maria Sison who is leading its way from home and in the comforts of Europe,” said Pasia.

“We set aside a small amount from the army fund to extend help to the bereaved family of the slain NPAs,” he added.

The army also visited the wake of Diosdado Valdez Jr., 36, in Barangay Parioc 1st, Candon City and provided also assistance to the mourning family. Valdez, a businessman who was engaged in buy and sale of vegetables, was allegedly hit by a bullet from the NPAs during the encounter.

Meanwhile, the slain soldier during the encounter was identified as Private First Class Wilfredo N. Doctor Jr., a member of the army’s 91st Brigade Reconnaissance Company and a resident of Pangasinan.

“The army is mourning the death of the seven Filipinos whose precious lives were taken by the evils of communism,” he said.

Pasia said that the army sympathizes and feels the pains inflicted on the wounded individuals and commiserate with those who were displaced from the encounter site.

“Once again, I’m reiterating that security is a concern of everybody; that we should all work together, the security forces and the community, to put an end to the local communist armed conflict, Pasia said.

For his part, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson also expressed his deepest sympathy to the families of the slain NPAs and a civilian during the encounter.

“To my dear province mates, the encounter happened between our soldiers and the NPA is a manifestation of obstacles that we should overcome to achieve our lasting peace. I ask you to pray for our troops, and, we pray for the anti-government side to raise their arms and return to the folds of our government,” said Singson.

“We are all Filipinos. Let us join hands and pray that in the shortest possible time this will be over. Let us stay alert, cooperate and follow our authorities and we offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of all the casualties,” Singson added. (JCR/FGL,PIA 1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050483