Army to return NPA fighter's remains to family

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2022): Army to return NPA fighter's remains to family (By Nef Luczon)

SEIZED. The Army's 58th Infantry Battalion confiscates M16 rifles with magazines and ammunition, following an encounter with the New People's Army (NPA) Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022 in Misamis Oriental. The 20-minute clash resulted in an NPA combatant dead in Sitio Minlanag, Barangay Lawaan, Gingoog City. (Photo courtesy of 58IB)

The Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) on Friday assured the family of a New People's Army (NPA) rebel slain in a firefight in Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental that his remains will be returned to them.

In a statement, the military said the dead fighter was discovered after a 20-minute clash between government troops and the NPA's GF Huawei and SRSDG Eagles, Sub-regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) in Sitio Minlanag, Barangay Lawaan here on February 17.

The 58IB brought the cadaver to a funeral home in Gingoog City, where he will be given a decent and proper turnover to his family.

Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, commanding officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion, said the encounter was a result of ongoing efforts to thwart NPA activities, as part of President Rodrigo Duterte's commitment to end the communist armed insurgency before his term ends this June 2022.

"We have continued to pursue the remnants of SRC1 and have intensified our focused military operations," he said while extending condolences to the bereaved family of the unknown NPA fighter.

Government troops also discovered firearms, subversive documents, and personal items.

On the 58IB's side, no casualty was reported.

"Your families are looking forward to meeting you, hoping that you will change the course of your lives and spend the rest of your lives with them, free of chaos and useless ideology," Canatoy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1168106