Remains of 7 ‘NPA members’ in Miag-ao clash claimed by family

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The remains of seven members of the New People’s Army killed in the Dec 1, 2021 encounter in Miagao, Iloilo were already claimed by their respective families.

Captain Roel Maglalang, Civil Military Officer (CMO) of the 301st Infantry Brigade, said one cadaver was turned over on Dec 3 to the rebel’s family from Igbaras.

Two others from the towns of San Joaquin and Tubungan were released on Tuesday.

The four others have yet to be taken home because the transport permit was not immediately forwarded.

“So far, we experienced no problem with the claims. Smooth naman ang naging turn-over since the families presented enough proof and documents that the fatalities are their kin,” Maglalang said

Moleta Memorial Chapel and Services, together with the 61st Infantry Battalion, facilitated the transportation of the remains

The Philippine Army has also extended financial aid to the families though it is also coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) for additional assistance.

The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC 6) also assured that it would attend to the needs of the families.

As this developed, military and police troops all over Panay Island has been alerted for possible retaliatory attacks following the encounter at Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao.

Philippine Army troops were able to zero in on the area where the rebels were said to be holding a plenum.

Around 70 rebels were in attendance to plan a grand tactical offense to highlight the 53rd founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), 301st IB commander Brigadier General Marion Sison earlier said.

They were, in fact, rehearsing how to carry out the attacks against military and police personnel.

The targets appeared to be a police detachment in Barangay Tiolas, San Joaquin, Iloilo and an Army patrol base in Barangay Pudpud, Miag-ao.

According to military sources, they were also targeting vital installations, particularly those who were not paying extortion money.