TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army and the victim’s family have condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for the brutal killing of a civilian in Northern Samar 20 years ago but whose body was exhumed only this week.
 

After nearly two decades, government troops on Wednesday unearthed the body of Roberto Drio, alias “Boyet,” in the upland Siljagon village in Mapanas, Northern Samar.
 

Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division, expressed sympathies to the victim's family and ensured that justice will be served for Drio and other victims killed by NPAs.
 

“This act of savagery is a clear manifestation of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA's disregard for human rights and the value of human life. We will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle the insurgents and put an end to their reign of terror. We urge the public to support our efforts in eradicating this menace from our society by reporting any suspicious activities or information to the authorities,” Ligayo said in a statement on Wednesday.
 

Former members of the communist group, who have now returned to the fold of the law, revealed that Drio, then 25-years-old, was tortured to death in 2004 by the group of “Ka Doy,” a communist leader operating in the Pacific towns of Northern Samar.

Florencio Drio, the victim’s father, also condemned the brutal killing of his son. He admitted that he had no peace of mind for nearly 20 years for not reporting the incident as he feared for his family's safety.
 

“To the NPA terrorists who did this to my son, I hope you feel guilty and realize your crime. Remember there is always a time for punishment,” Drio said in his message relayed to the Philippine Army.
 

Northern Samar is the most insurgency-affected province in Eastern Visayas, where two active NPA guerilla fronts operate.
 

The military said although Front Committees 1 and 15 are still active, they do not control any village in Northern Samar.
 

Front Committee 2, which used to operate on the boundary of Samar and Northern Samar, has been dismantled this year after the capture and surrender of some of its combatants and the recovery of several firearms.
 

The NPA Front Committee 3, which operates near the boundaries of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar provinces, has also been weakened after the series of operations by government forces.
 

The Philippine Army targets to wipe out insurgency in Northern Samar before the year ends.