DAVAO CITY – The military transported the remains of communist rebel Didi Andel, alias ‘’Sisoy,’’ who died in a recent skirmish in Santa Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan to his hometown in Davao del Norte.

His body arrived on Friday, Feb. 24, at the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao in Barangay Sasa here.

Didi's father Sidol and brother Jimboy received his remains transported by a C-295 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force.

Didi was killed in an encounter with the Army 17th Infantry Battalion under the Army 5th Infantry Division.

Jimboy thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for facilitating the return of his brother's body to their hometown in Sitio Tibukag, Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod.

"Dako kaayo among pasalamat sir sa inyoha. Bisan sakit na sa among dughan, pero wala na mi mahimo, dawaton na lang gyud namo (We thank you very much, sir. Even though it hurts, there's nothing we can do. We need to accept what happened)," Jimboy said. 

According to Sidol, they waited for Didi to return home for nine years. However, they did not expect Didi to be back in a coffin, Sidol said.

Army 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Jose Eriel M. Niembra lauded the 5th Infantry Division and the 56th Infantry Battalion for safely transporting the remains of Didi to his hometown.

"We value the lives of our fellow Filipino people. We call on the remaining NPA members to surrender to the fold of the law and live a peaceful life ahead with your family," Niembra said.