By LIEZLE BASA-INIGO
MACONACON, Isabela – Five more remains of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels executed due to infighting in their ranks were exhumed by the Army Friday, July 8, in Barangay Canadam here.
The bodies were that of alias “Rigid” and “Mawin,” commanding officer of the Front Operation Command (FOC), alias “Brad” and “Airus,” vice commanding officer of the FOC, alias “Dondon,” vice squad leader of Squad Uno, alias “Monmon,” member of Squad Uno, and alias “Bamboo,” member of Squad Dos, of the Isabela Provincial Committee, Cagayan Valley Region Committee.
Their former colleagues pinpointed their graves to the Army 502nd Infantry Brigade.
Three bodies from the NPA band were earlier unearthed by troops Sunday, July 3 – that of alias “Eloy,” first deputy secretary, alias “Bryan,” and alias “Marco,” all members of Squad Dos.
Their comrades told the Army that they were killed over the leadership dispute in their organization.
“Ang hindi nila pagkakasundo-sundo sa loob ng kanilang organisasyon ay manipestasyon na rin ng pagkakawatak-watak ng kanilang samahan. Hindi na rin magtatagal ay sila na mismo ang magpapabagsak sa kanilang organisasyon (Infighting in their ranks is a sign of disunity in their organization. In the end, this will lead to their downfall,” said Lt. Col. Carlos Sangdaan Jr., battalion commander of the 95th Infantry Battalion.
Sangdaan added that the mere burial of the remaining members of the terrorist group with their leaders is also an indication of their inhumane activities.
The Maconacon local government provided decent burial to the eight bodies.
Brig. Gen. Danilo D. Benavides, commander of the 502nd Brigade, urged the remaining members of the NPA band to return to the fold of the law.