• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The remains of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, who died in a clash with 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) soldiers in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on May 1, was accorded a decent burial by the Philippine Army on May 6.
The cadaver of Tony Pahayahay, 53, was left behind by his fleeing comrades and was not claimed by his family.
Pahayahay, a remnant of the dismantled Central Negros 1 guerrilla front, was positively identified by his former comrades, who surrendered to the government, the 62IB said in a statement.
Two assault rifles, M16 and M4, were among the items recovered by the troops at the encounter site.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Evelio Ilanga III, 62IB commander, said the Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict ensured a proper and dignified burial for Pahayahay, a resident of Barangay Bulado, in the spirit of humanity and reconciliation.
“It highlights the government’s commitment to uphold human rights and respect for life, regardless of one’s affiliation,” he added.
Ilanga urged rebel remnants to embrace the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and return to their families and communities.
“There is no future in the armed struggle and those who follow the same path (of Pahayahay) will likely suffer the same fate,” he added. | GB
