Remains of trooper killed in NPA clash arrive in Iloilo hometown
BACOLOD CITY – The remains of 29-year-old Private First Class John Rey Brasil was brought to his hometown in Guimbal, Iloilo on Wednesday, June 10.
“We kindly ask for your prayers and support for our family during this time. Thank you for your sympathy, condolences, and heartfelt messages,” Brasil’s wife, Nicole, said in a social media post.
The wake at the couple’s residence in Barangay Pandanon Silos, Murcia, Negros Occidental will resume on June 20 until the interment in July.
Brasil was killed during an encounter between the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF-D) in Barangay Tamlang, Escalante City, Negros Occidental on June 1.
The Youth for Peace Movement-Northern Negros Chapter mourned Brasil’s death. They said Brasil was a dedicated soldier, peace advocate, youth leader, and proud member of their movement.
“He was more than a defender of our nation – he was a mentor and inspiration to countless young people,” the group said, adding that through his active involvement in Youth for Peace programs, he championed the values of peace, patriotism, responsible citizenship, and community service.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) also mourned Brasil’s passing. They said Brasil made the ultimate sacrifice against the New People’s Army (NPA).
“No words can fully ease the pain of such a loss, but we hope they find comfort in knowing that he lived a life of courage, purpose, and service to others,” the NTF-ELCAC said in a statement.