CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – The body of a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was found floating on Manoto River, between Barangay Mahayag and Barangay Minongan in Quezon town, Bukidnon province, the military reported Tuesday, November 3.

The still unidentified cadaver was male, between 30-40 years old with four gunshot wounds, and was believed to have been dead for about 15 days already, and was in advanced state of decomposition, according to the military report. 

“Per information gathered, it was found that the cadaver was that of a certain Ka Roger, a team leader of Squad 2 of Platoon Bagsik of Guerilla Front Malayag of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, said 88^th Infantry Battalion (88^th IB) Civil Military Operations Officer Capt. Norven Jay Garcia.

It could be recalled that a gun battle happened October 14, around 4:30 p.m., between troops of 88th IB and Guerilla Front  Malayag in the hinterland area of Sitio Trucut, Barangay Cawayan, Quezon town of that same province, the 88^th IB CMO officer told The Manila Bulletin.

“Reports have reached this unit that an NPA member acquired gunshot wounds during the encounter and died later, and the NPA group decided to leave the dead body on the river for fear of the pursuing government troops,” Garcia added. 

“It is with sadness that another Filipino who was deceived by the deceptive ideals of the communist terrorist died in one of the encounters,” also said 88^th IB commander Lt. Col. Franklin F. Fabic. 

“This act of NPA illustrates ruthlessness leaving the dead body in the river.  That’s why, I encourage the remaining NPA members who are still suffering running in the mountains to surrender now or you will be treated just like your comrade who was intentionally left behind,” assured the 88^th IB commander.