ILIGAN CITY (Dec. 28, 2023) – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has identified seven out of the ten New People’s Army rebels killed in an encounter with the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Christmas Day

Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, identified the fatalities as Beverly Sinunta, alias “Ayang,” secretary of Sub-regional Committee 2, Northern

Central Mindanao Regional Committee, her husband, Alfredo Banawan, alias “Alab,” deputy secretary, their daughter, Chen-chen Banawan, alias “Pao” and “Chin-Chin,” residents of Sitio Trukat, Barangay Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon; Penita Singaman, alias “Pening,” of Purok 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City; Bebot L. Solinay alias “Ligid,” of Sitio Kadagsangan, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; Aurelio Gonsalez, alias “Alvin,” of Zone 8, Barangay Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, and a certain “Louie” from Agusan.

The fatalities were members of the Sub-regional Committee 2, Headquarters Loader, and Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Bacus is closely coordinating with different intelligence communities and former rebels for the identification of the three remaining bodies.

Soldiers extricated the bodies on December 26 in Sitio Kieto, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, and were taken to Villanueva Funeral Homes in Malaybalay City.

The seven NPA fatalities were identified based on previous data profile, family members, and their former comrades.

The 8th IB informed the families of the fatalities and coordinated with the police and the local government unit for the proper disposition and turnover of the remains.

Major Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, 4th Infantry Division commander, said that the identification of the slain communist rebels highlights the sad truth about the membership in the NPA, particularly those holding top leadership, treated it as a family business and took undue advantage to recruit own members of their family to wield power for monetary gains and intentions.

“It is disheartening to discover how the CNT leaders resorted to promoting their own vested interest and agenda using familial connections as means to sustain their business while the lower members are suffering from hunger and fatigue due to our relentless military operations,” Cuerpo said.

He said this exploitation proves that they are irrational criminals who will do everything to maintain their operations, even sacrificing family members.

“Nonetheless, we extend our condolences to the families of the deceased, after all, they are still Filipinos who became victims of the CTG deception and treachery. Their death is a tragic outcome that reflects the continued challenge we face in maintaining peace and security in our
AOR,” Cuerpo said.

“Moreover, rest assured that the 4th ID, in close collaboration with LGU and LGAs, will extend assistance and support to the families of the dead CNTs,” Cuerpo added. (Bonita Ermac/Manila Bulletin)