By J. Jala | 01:04 PM January 08, 2021
The 47th Infantry Battalion (47th IB) of the Philippine Army had formally turned over the remains of a slain New People’s Army (NPA) rebel to his family, the military reported on Friday.
With the help from the provincial government of Bohol and the local government unit of Trinidad, the 47IB was able to facilitate the transport of Wilbert Fuentes’ cadaver from Negros Oriental to Bohol on January 6, 2020.
Fuentes, alias Ka MJ, was a member of the Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (SEF-KR-NCBS), was killed in an encounter with the 11IB in Barangay Tayak in Siaton town, Negros Oriental on December 24, 2020.
His lifeless body was abandoned by his comrades in the encounter site with his persobal belongings and firearm. Upon finding out his identity, 11IB coordinated with the 47IB to inform his family in Bohol.
The sudden news shook his mother, Wilma Fuentes, who has no finite knowledge of the whereabouts of her son.
“The whole time, I thought my son was working in Cebu and earning a living for his family and then all of a sudden I was just surprised that this was the bitter fate my young son ended,” Army quoted Wilma.
Despite the unbearable pain, the family is grateful for the genuine support of the army in the whole process of the body’s return and the financial assistance from LGU-Trinidad was greatly appreciated.
The 47th IB said that in spite of the circumstances, the government will extend whatever aid they could provide to the bereaved. The inhumane act of the rebels with these left leaning organizations should be condemned.
