CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – “Respect beget respect,” a simple reminder from the troopers of the 88th Infantry Battallion after families of the killed New Peoples Army combatants received the bodies of their loved ones, on Monday.
Army Captain Ryan Layug, Civil Military Officer (CMO) of the 403rd Brigade said, the slain NPA commander was identifed as Joven Manggatawan – NPA Leader.
“He abandoned his family for the terrorist group. Tbree of his children regret’s their father’s absence on their wedding day. The 88IB tried to convince him to live a peaceful life with his family, but he threatened to kill the emissary”, Layug said.
According to reports, Manggantawas, also known as “Amana” sa abandoned by his comrades when he was done, after an encounter last Saturday.
“He was wounded on his right. After the clearing, army medics rushed to save him by putting a tourniquet. He expired after running out of blood. 88IB with Quezon LGU contacted his family and prepared a decent burial assistance. His wife and relatives are thankful of 88IB for paying respect to their love one”, the captain added.
Meanwhile, another NPA combatants was also wounded along the forested area in Quezon.
He was identified as Oliver Cabusog, by former NPA Rebels.
“Being the remaining single (unmarried) amongst his siblings, Oliver took charge of their farm owned by his father. During the same encounter last September 28, he cried for help after being hit on his left leg. Army Medics applied first aid and immobilized his legs by makeshift splint. He was tactically carried down from the mountains by our soldiers reaching Bukidnon Provincial Hospital – Maramag early dawn Sept 29 conscious. His family was shocked upon learning he was wounded and with the NPAs. They said he is a very good son, the last time they met, Oliver said he is going to his mother’s side in Lagonglong, MisOr. They arrived in the hospital afterlunch, he was unconscious and unstable. Soldiers rushing in and out of hospital to buy medicines and other materials needed. One braved the rain, arriving back only learn Oliver expired at around 5PM. His sisters, brother and father saw all the effort and thanked our soldiers. On an interview, they advised the relatives of NPAs to convince them to come home before its too late”, Capt. Layug expressed.
Futher, the 4th Infantry division, under the leadership of Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, has been keen in upholding the guidelines of the International Humanitarian Law, in all sorts of encounter or in every war.
“Ang ating mga kasundaluhan ay mahigpit na sumusunod sa International Humanitarian Law (IHL) /Geneva Convention/Law of Armed Conflict na naglalayong maproteksyonan ang mga sibiyan, kasama na rito ang mga walang kakayahan lumaban gaya ng mga sugatan, maging kalaban man ito. Ang tawag dito ay principle of distinction. Saklaw ng IHL ang mga NPA, kung kayat dinidisiplina at pinagmumulta ng CPP ang mga lider nilang napapatunayang lumapastangan sa IHL. Sa mga nabangit na lugar, mayroong mga conflict dahil presensya ng mga NPA kung kayat IHL na masusunod na bahagi rin naman ng ating batas na R.A. 9851, ” said Layug.
