Body found in Agusan Sur belongs to NPA political instructor

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22, 2023): Body found in Agusan Sur belongs to NPA political instructor (By Alexander Lopez)

SLAIN REBEL. The remains of Melvin Jacinto Tabugol, the political instructor of the New People’s Army's Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, were turned over by the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade on Sunday (Aug. 20, 2023) to his family in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Tabugol’s body was found by village officials in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, on Saturday (Aug. 19, 2023) following an encounter with military forces in the area. (Photo courtesy of 401Bde)

BUTUAN CITY – The cadaver recovered over the weekend at the encounter site in Barangay Laperian, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur belonged to a communist New People’s Army (NPA) political instructor, the military said Tuesday.

In a statement, the Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade (401st IBde) identified the slain NPA insurgent as Melvin Jacinto Tabugol of Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Tabugol, whose body was found by village officials on Saturday (Aug. 19) following an encounter a day before with troops from the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion.

Before his death, Tabugol was the political education instructor of the NPA Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“The remains of Tabugol were transported on Sunday to Lianga town by forces of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion and the 41st Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Company under the 4th CMO Battalion,” the 401st IBde said in a statement.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo Jr., the 401st IBde commander, also met with the slain NPA’s brother, Dondon, to convey his condolences to the family and assured them of the government’s support.

Lorenzo said the support provided by the Army to the family of the slain NPA rebel is in adherence to the international humanitarian law to respect the human rights and dignity of all individuals regardless of their affiliations.

“The Philippine Army, as a professional organization, took necessary measures to ensure that utmost respect and established protocols were accorded to the remains of the dead rebel,” Lorenzo said.

Tabugol was with 30 other armed NPA insurgents engaged by the government troopers whose presence in the area was reported by the concerned civilians.

Government troops recovered from the encounter a high-powered firearm, assorted ammunition, different improvised explosive device components, an anti-personnel mine and personal belongings.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208266