• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) has extended assistance to the family of another New People’s Army (NPA) rebel killed during an encounter in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Feb. 21.
The 79IB, through its spokesman, 2Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, reached out to the family of Emaryn Pastedio, alias Jandie, a medical officer of the dismantled Northern Negros Front, who was among the fatalities during the clashes in Sitio Masulao, Barangay Pinapugasan.
Samoza said that “Ka Jandie” was still a minor when she was recruited by the NPA “through propaganda, lies and deception”.
He said they had a meaningful dialogue with her family on their present situation and future plans, and on freeing them from rebel influence through an appropriate psychological intervention.
The 79IB provided cash assistance, a sack of rice and grocery items to the Pastedio family.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of 79IB, said: “We feel immense grief and anguish in witnessing a life that was lost due to an absurd ideology that took advantage of the vulnerability of the people from the targeted sector.”
“Again, we are not your enemies. We, your Army and government, are here to serve and willing to extend a helping hand to the victims of NPA propaganda, and rebuild the divisions that they have created between us,” he added.
The 79IB also extended assistance to the family of Jose Caramihan, one of the rebels who also died in the Feb. 21 clashes. | GB
