By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) extended assistance to the family of an alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed in an encounter with military troopers in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Christmas eve.
Lieutenant Colonel Ramir Redosendo, 11th IB commander on Monday gave financial assistance to the 19-year-old son of Ricardo Sabinan. Sabinan was laid to rest in the town on the same day.
Sabinan, along with three others, had a standing warrant of arrest for murder according to the Army.
Aside from Sabinan, the Army also identified the other slain rebel as Wilbert Fuentes, a resident of Bohol.
Captain Francis Salcedo, 11th IB civil-military operations officer, said they are preparing all the requirements needed so they can immediately transport Fuentes’ remains to his family.
The Army said that both were alleged remnants of the Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (SEF, KR-NCBS).
Aside from goods and financial assistance, the 11th IB also provided burial assistance to the family of Sabinan.
Redosendo said they want a decent burial for them, thus they set aside a small amount to extend help to the bereaved families.
“We want them to know that they are not left out, and the government and the Philippine Army will never abandon them,” he added.
For his part, Colonel Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde) commander, also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
“It brings us grief to see another life of our kababayan being put to waste. We are just doing our sworn duty and responsibility to protect the community from the enemy of the state,” he added.
