Gov't troops provide decent burial to deceased CNT
LIANGA, Surigao del Sur -- The remains of the communist part of the
Philippines-new people's army (CPP-NPA) terrorist (CNT), who died during the
recent encounter with government troops, was properly turned over to the
immediate family in Sitio Neptune, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur
by the troops of the 401st Infantry "Unite N' Fight" Brigade on
August 20, 2023.
Accordingly, the deceased CNT was identified as Melvin Jacinto Tabugol, alias Maro,
a political instructor (PI) of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG SL)
SouthLand of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). His remain
was transported by the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SF) vehicle and was
assisted and led by 2nd Lieutenant Jhen Sailyn De Guzman, acting
commanding officer of the 41st Civil-Military Operations Company, 4th CMO
Battalion.
Based on the report, on August 19, 2023 in Barangay La Perian, Prosperidad,
Agusan del Sur, punong barangay Vicente T. Cabag Jr., reported that a cadaver
and believed to be a CNT was discovered a day after the encounter of combined
troops of 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) and 41st Division Reconnaissance
Company (41DRC) against more or less 30 CNTs in the said area.
With the assistance of the Philippine National Police and the local
government unit of Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur province, the cadaver was
successfully extracted in the morning of August 19 and immediately transported
to Mendoza Deathcare Services for appropriate disposition.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Francisco F Lorenzo Jr., accompanied by the local
officials and personnel of the Municipal Police Station (MPS) of Properidad,
Agusan del Sur met with Dondon Tabugol, brother of “Maro” at the Mendoza
DeathCare Services and personally conveyed his condolences and expressed their
intention to extend necessary support. He said that this is in line with the
Army’s strict adherence to international humanitarian law and the respect on
human rights and dignity of all individuals regardless of their affiliations.
“The involved authorities including the Philippine Army, as a professional
organization, took necessary measures to ensure that utmost respect and
established protocols were accorded to the remains of the dead CNT, including
the assistance to the family and provision of the deceased individual with a
decent and proper burial,” BGen. Lorenzo added.
On the other hand, the family of “Maro” expressed their sincere gratitude to
the 401st Brigade troopers, the PNP, and LGU of Prosperidad for the proper
funeral care and the assistance extended to them, it was learned. (Major Alvin
G Nangkil, CMO- 401st Bde./NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
