‘My hubby was a good and friendly person’

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz— “My husband was a good and friendly person whom I could be proud of.”

This was the reaction of Shella Villasis, wife of the slain Army Corporal Frederick Villasis, 32.

Shella was emotional when interviewed by journalists Thursday morning, a day after her husband was killed by suspected New People’s Army members.

Shella said Frederick had big dreams for their two children aged 9 and 3.

“Tani wala lng nila gin patay kay madamo pa sya sang plano sa iya duha ka anak,” she said.

Villasis of the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) was abducted and killed by suspected rebels at Barangay Lahug, Tapaz, Capiz Wednesday afternoon.

According to Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), Villasis was onboard a motorcycle with Analyn Giganto, a councilwoman in Lahug, around 11:30 a.m.

The two were headed to the town hall to borrow an ambulance for sick persons in the barangay, Pancito said.

But around 40 armed persons blocked their way and took the soldier with them, leaving the unharmed Giganto behind.

The rebels reportedly tortured Villasis before shooting him from behind. His motorcycle was also set on fire.

Shella said she first met her husband at Capiz State University (CapSU) in Sigma, Capiz 10 years ago.

Frederick seldom went home to Brgy. Cogon because of his work and they only communicated through cellphone.

Before he was killed, she said her husband called her and asked how they were.

Shella said she wants justice for Frederick even as she hopes that the culprits will be arrested.

Army Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Jayson Estrada, commander of the 12IB, launched a hot pursuit operation.

Pancito, meanwhile, said the rebels’ action was barbaric and desperate, and a clear violation of human rights.

“We are really saddened. Tutulong lang sana ang ating tao pero pinatay nila,” Pancito said.

The 3ID has condemned the killing of Villasis.

“We condemn the killing. What they did was summary execution. Binaril na patalikod. We won’t stop seeking justice for our soldier,” Pancito said.