CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Authorities retrieved an alleged skeletal remains of a New People’s Army (NPA) cadre at Sitio Minkasi, Barangay Mimbuntong, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Monday, May 2.

The 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) of the Philippine Army, together with the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) from Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Unit and Barangay Council discovered the gravesite on revelation made by a former rebel who surrendered to the 58IB.

According to the 58IB, the former rebel revealed that during their encounter in December 2019, a certain Romy Ayuma alias Anot, a member of Pia, Paking, Hari, Guerilla Front 4B, Sub-Regional Committee 1, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, was killed and buried in the area by the other NPA rebels while attempting to elude the government forces.

The authorities have also discovered that the buried skeletal remains’ shirt had been hit by a bullet on the abdominal part.

The remains were brought to Mata Funeral Homes in Gingoog City and the 58IB informed the family of the proper turnover and burial.

“Alias Anot could be one of many NPA members abandoned by the armed group to die alone in the hinterlands. Because NPA rebels have no regard for human life as evidenced by their practice of leaving wounded comrades to die in the hinterlands, just like what happened to Anot,” said Lt. Col. Rickie Canatoy.

The commanding officer urged NPA rebels in the province to surrender to the government.

"I am urging the NPA members still hiding in Misamis Oriental's hinterlands to come down in peace, lay down their arms, and return to the fold of the law while there is still time and opportunity. Put an end to this way of life, endless suffering in vain, with no regard for your own or others' lives,” he said.