Body of NPA who died of nervous breakdown from relentless gov’t pursuit unearthed in Iloilo


ILOILO CITY – The body of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel who died of nervous breakdown from the relentless pursuit of government soldiers was recovered in a shallow grave in Leon, Iloilo.

SOLDIERS recover the remains of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in Leon, Iloilo. (61st IB photo)

Lt. Col. Harold Garcia, Army 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said troops from the 61st IB unearthed the cadaver of Glezer Hembra, alias “Karl,” “Bonet,” and “Ram-Ram,” in Barangay Bucari.

Hembra’s body was found after former NPA rebel alias “Toto” who surrendered to authorities last January pinpointed the location of his remains.

Hembra allegedly died last year from a nervous breakdown he suffered as a result of soldiers closing in behind them. He was hastily buried by his comrades in an unmarked and shallow grave.
Hembra was said to be a squad member of the Suyak Platoon of the NPA Southern Front Committee in Panay Island.

Soldiers also recovered ammunition and other items buried with him – 30 rounds for an M16 rifle, 15 cartridges of 5.56mm ball, backpacks, chargers for commercial radios, electrical wires, electrical sockets, surgical gloves, plaster tapes, and intravenous cannulas.

Garcia assured that Hembra’s body will be returned to his family for a proper burial.