Family of slain NPA rebel arrives in Negros

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The father and son of a slain woman believed to be a high-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) arrived in Negros Occidental last Monday.

Pablo Tariman arrived in the province to claim the remains of his daughter, Kerima Lorena Tariman, who was killed in an encounter with the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) at Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City on August 20.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert Petate, Silay City police chief, said that Mr. Tariman and Kerima’s son were accompanied by Bacolod Councilor Archie Baribar to Silay City to process the requirements needed to transfer her remains from Silay to Bacolod before transporting her to Albay province.

Petate said the family planned to cremate her remains before they go back to Albay.

The Army has earlier reported that Kerima was a secretary or leader of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) who tried to revive the influence of the group in the province.

Meanwhile, the Army has also identified the other slain rebel as Joery Dato-on Cocuba, 38, of Barangay Consing, E.B. Magalona town.

Cocuba’s identity was confirmed by two reliable sources who are residents and neighbors at the said village, according to the Army.

Cocuba was tagged in the burning of several heavy equipment at the said barangay in April this year, the Army said.

The 79th IB is looking for the wife and other family members of Cocuba to properly turnover his remains.