CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – The two New People’s Army rebels killed in an encounter with soldiers in Barangay San Carlos, Gattaran, Cagayan on December 23 have been identified.
Major Rigor Pamittan, spokesperson of the 5th Infantry Division, said on Wednesday that the fatalities were identified through members of their unit who had surrendered.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/23/2-communist-rebels-killed-in-cagayan-clash
Pamittan identified the fatalities as Maria Valencia, an amazon from Tatalon, Quezon City, and “Ka Jero” of General Santos City.
“The real name of Ka Jero is subject for verification and validation,” Pamittan said.
Their bodies are under the custody of the Gattaran police and the military is coordinating with the families of the two slain communist rebels.
Major Gen. Audrey L. Pasia, commander of the 5th ID, reiterated his call to the NPA in Cagayan to surrender.
Pamittan said that they are continuously pursuing NPA remnants in Region 2 or Cagayan Valley.
On Christmas Day, the 95th Infantry Battalion and 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company seized an R4 rifle, one M-16 rifle, bandoliers, medical paraphernalia, subversive documents, and personal belongings owned by the NPA in Barangay T. Elizaga, Gattaran.