Man captured with wounded rebel after NegOr clash released

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD CITY – A man who was earlier tagged as a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was released from police custody after authorities found out that he has no direct involvement in the encounter at Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on March 23, 2021.

Captain Cenon Pancito III, Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that a certain Julio Rabot, 26, of Canlaon City, was identified as one of the mass supporters of the rebel group.

Rabot was reportedly giving medical treatment to a wounded suspected rebel when they were caught by military troopers in a vegetated area, a day after the clash happened that resulted in the death of 10 NPAs.

The wounded rebel was a 17-year-old boy from Canlaon City who is believed to be a member of the SDG Platoon, Central Negros 1 of Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (KR – NCBS), Pancito said.

The minor suffered a gunshot wound in his right thigh and was taken to William Villegas Memorial Hospital. He was then turned over to Guihulngan City Police Station and was later transferred to the Guihulngan City Social Welfare Development (CSWD) office.

Meanwhile, Pancito also released the names of the 10 casualties in the March 23 encounter:

Jojo Necto Alpitche of Barangay Binobohan;

Eduardo Tormis of Barangay Trinidad;

Felicito Robert Quiñanola of Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental;

Argie Casulay of Barangay Trinidad;

Roberto Litong Jr. of Barangay Luz;

Ringie Dilica Gadiano of Barangay Trinidad;

Felix Jojo Saputalo of Barangay Trinidad;

Regie Remasog of Isabela, Negros Occidental;

Jeryneboy Timagus Callora of Barangay Trinidad; and

a certain “Jekjek” of Canlaon City.

Pancito said the bodies of the nine casualties were already claimed by their families.

However, five of them and the remaining unclaimed cadaver were buried yesterday per decision of their families, he added.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) awarded medals to the military troopers involved in last week’s encounter, during his visit to the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) headquarters at Barangay Libas, Isabela town last Thursday.

Personnel from 62IB, 16SRC and 33DRC received Military Merit Medals with Bronze Spearhead Device, as Sobejana commended their meritorious acts.

“I want to congratulate all the troops involved for the display of bravery and heroism coupled with their commitment and dedication to secure and serve,” Sobejana said, as he also acknowledged the support of the police and the local government unit in the area that all contributed to the success of this feat.

Further, Pancito also said that the reported 68 evacuees who were caught in the middle of the crossfire had already returned to their respective residences at Barangay Trinidad.

On the other hand, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the multi-sectoral prayer for peace held at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon and Park here yesterday.

The Prayer for Peace was held during the NPA anniversary yesterday to highlight the unity of multi-sectors with one vision; peace and development for the people of Negros.

Colonel Michael Samson, 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) acting commander, lauded the multi-sectors for showing the true essence of harmony by sharing their peace prayers for Negrenses.