BACOLOD CITY – The Army 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) has identified the second New People’s Army (NPA) rebel killed in an encounter in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental last week.
The slain rebel was Romy Catacio, alias “Nonoy,” 23, of Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, a member of Central Negros (CN) 1.
Catacio and Marivic Ebarle, alias “Ivan,” 37, of Barangay Macagahay, Moises Padilla, commander of Section Guerilla Unit (SGU) of CN 1, were killed in a firefight when the military responded to information about the presence of communist rebels in Sitio Kawayanan, Barangay Montilla on July 20.
Catacio’s remains have yet to be claimed by his family while Ebarle’s body has been received by his live-in partner, according to the Army.
In a statement, Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that the NPA rebels have paid the price for the injustices they have committed against the innocent people they have executed.
“Justice is served,” he added.
Sison said that they will not stop until the communities are free from atrocities. "For those who refuse peace, we will continue to pursue you until you are rendered irrelevant,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the NPA-Northern Negros Guerrilla Front denied ownership of the cache of firearms and ammunition recovered by the Army 79th IB in Calatrava, Negros Occidental early this month.
Cecil Estrella, RJPC-NPA spokesperson, said the 79th IB made up stories to justify their focused military operations in the area.
Estrella said there was no NPA unit in the area.