15-year-old NPA among those killed in an Encounter

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Authorities have already established the identity of the cadaver who was killed during an encounter in Barangay Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on April 21, 2018, after an identification process made by the PNP-SOCO, Municipal Social Welfare Office of Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur, and the Military.

According to the report made by Lieutenant Colonel Rhojun Rosales, Commander of 39th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, the fatality was identified as Rondi Ondo, 15 years old from Sitio Tombo, Brgy Old Bulatukan, Makilala, North Cotabato.

He was identified by his mother Marissa A. Ondo at a Funeral Parlor in Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur during a public identification.

Ondo’s cadaver was recovered after the encounter with an M16 Rifle and clad in black NPA uniform.

Lt Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command expressed sadness and condemned the NPA Terrorists' use of minors in armed struggle.

"It's so sad to note that despite the worldwide call to spare children in armed struggle, the NPA Terrorists continued to arm them and use them. We condemn this practice in strongest term and challenge the NPA Terrorists to spare them. Let children be children, and allow them to play, learn, enjoy and experience the beauty of being a child and spare them from indoctrinating hatred and violence" Lt Gen Madrigal Jr. said.

Meanwhile, Ltc Rosales facilitated the transportation of the cadavers of Ondi Ondo and the earlier identified CNT Leader Julito Pueblas alias Taghoy, 62 years old from Sitio Pangayasan, Brgy Kisante to their respective families and Barangay Officials of Kisante and Old Bulatukan, respectively, on April 22, 2018.

On the other hand, Jessa Lumana who was seized in the encounter site was already detained at Sta Cruz Municipal Police Station to face criminal charges.


Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP