The dead CPP-NPA-Terrorist (CNT) was a resident of Brgy Rizal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province. He was the team leader of an NPA unit here and was left abandoned by his companion during the encounter with the troops of 67IB led by 1LT AL BRYAN VILLANUEVA last November 10, 2018.
The cadaver of Edmond was transported by the troops of 67IB from the encounter site at sitio Maglahus then brought to Poblacion, Caraga, Davao Oriental for proper disposition. The cadaver was given a decent wake that lasted for six (6) days in the Municipal gym of Caraga, Davao Oriental. The cadaver was buried last 15 November 2018 but subsequently exhumed upon the request of the bereaved family when they arrived last 16 November 2018, they want to bring his cadaver to their home at Brgy Rizal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province to give their last respect.
His father, Mr. Alex Cutor said that the last time he saw Edmond was when he was still 16 years old, they heard that their son was recruited by the NPA but they have no idea about the whereabouts of his son. They were surprised when they were informed about the death of his son.
He said “Dili jud ko katuo nga nisampa siya sa NPA, buotan siya nga pagkabata ug naay pangandoy sa kinabuhi. Isip isa ka amahan, gihatag nako ang tanan para saiyaha apan nasayang lang ang tanan tungod sa nahitabo sa iya”. “Ang ako lang panawagan kay dili ta angay mahadlok sa gobyerno, kay ang gobyerno maayo basta dili lang ta mosupak, ang gobyerno andam mutabang ug mualagad sa atoa mao ng naghangyo ko sa mga NPA nga undangan na nila ang pag-inganyo sa mga kabatan-onan sa mali na pagtuo batok sa atong gobyerno ug mobalik na sila sa tinuod na sabakan sa gobyerno”. Ang tibuok nakong pamilya nagapasalamat ug dako sa gobyerno ug sa Army sa pagpahimutang sa patayng lawas sa akong anak luyo sa mga panghitabo”. (I can’t believe that he joined the NPA, He was obedient and have ambitions in life. As a father, I provided him everything when he was still a child. All of this was wasted because he is already gone. We should not be afraid of the government, we should always abide by the law. I am appealing to the NPA to stop recruiting the minors by instilling false ideology, they should surrender to the government. Despite the event, my family is grateful for the assistance given by the government especially the Philippine Army for facilitating the transport and proper care of my son’s cadaver.)
Two former rebels (FR) who was the former companions of the dead, were also present during the turn-over. According to one of the FRs, “they feel sad and mourns with the family for the death of their former comrade. This will not happen if they were not deceived by the NPAs to join them in their violent activities. They are also calling the remaining members to surrender to have a peaceful life”.
LTC JACOB THADDEUS M OBLIGADO INF (GSC) PA, the Commanding Officer of 67th Infantry Battalion stated that “despite the NPAs wrong-doings, and the recent debacle the NPA suffered, it is our duty to serve the people, we provided decent wake and gave our utmost respect. Unlike his two other companions, they left their body in a shallow grave. We are still looking for the location. He added,” we are one in our quest for peace and development let us work hand-in-hand to fight against the enemy of the government and we must also remember that these NPAs are just victims of the wrong ideology, we are calling on to the NPA members to surrender and return to the folds of law.”
As the newly installed Commander of the 701st Brigade, COL MANUEL V SEQUITIN INF (MNSA) PA said, “We are soldiers and we identify ourselves as human rights advocates. With this, we shall remain adherent to the rule of law, respect for the Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and shall continuously observe the rules of engagement and the legitimate use of force”.
“The 67th Infantry “Agila” Battalion in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Davao Oriental will ensure the implementation of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government for the surrenderees to start and have a new opportunity together with their family and will continue to conduct its mandated mission in order to establish a Peaceful and Conflict Resilient Community in our area of responsibility,” LTC OBLIGADO added.
Source: 67th Infantry Battalion, 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
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