ILOILO CITY — Authorities have finally identified the alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in a clash in Miag-ao town, Iloilo province.
In a release, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) released the names of the alleged rebels killed last December 1 when combined government forces staged an attack against what is believed to be an NPA campsite in Barangay Alimodias, which is more than 20 kilometers from Miag-ao town proper.
The eight casualties were Roger Pedro (alias “Lim” or “Gurang”) from San Remegio town, Antique province; Leonard Taburete (alias “Tatang” or “Toms”) from Tubungan town, Iloilo province; Liezel Tacuel (alias “Dayday”, “April” or “Jare”) from Tubungan town, Iloilo province; Gerly Tejeros (alias “Elay”) from Tigbauan town, Iloilo province; an alias “Inday” or “Jeboy” from San Jaoquin town, Iloilo province; Rica Nudgara (alias “Amber” from Miag-ao town, Iloilo province; Eugene Estopido Talibo (alias “Africk) from Igabaras town, Iloilo province; and Juveniel Sandig (alias “Francis”).
The hierarchy of the 301st Infantry Brigade (301 IB) also slammed the NPA’s Southern Front Committee in Panay Island for leaving their comrades after the clash.
“This is the result of the deception and manipulation of communist terrorist leaders. Members risk their lives fighting a senseless bloody struggle. They even leave their dead comrades and don’t even care to give them proper burial,” expressed Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, 301 IB commander.
Meanwhile, government troops also recovered three M16 rifles, one AK47 rifle, six landmines, three hand grenades, personal belongings, and subversive documents.