• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The families of the three of seven New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in series of encounters with Philippine Army soldiers in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental have claimed their bodies.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, said on Monday that the cadavers of Mary Jane Maguilat, and her husband, Reniel Cellon, and Charity Amaca were claimed by their families at a funeral parlor in the city.
Maguilat used to be the secretary of South East Front while Cellon, a former commander of the SEF armed unit.
Amacan formerly served as secretary of the South West Front, according to the 3rd Infantry Division.
Their respective positions have been downgraded to squad leaders after the dismantling of the guerrilla fronts, Escanillas said.
A civilian used as a human shield by rebels was also injured, according to the military.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the death of seven rebels is a message for the NPA remnants to surrender and return to normal life.
Lacson said the provincial government plays a major role in changing the lives of former rebels by providing them with financial and livelihood assistance, under its “Balik Salig” program.
This is on top of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, where former rebels also given additional financial and livelihood aid.
Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3ID commander, also urged the remaining NPA rebels to abandon the armed struggle and take the path toward peace. | GB
