By Jennifer P. Rendon
Unfavorable weather, rough terrain, and health hazards challenged soldiers as they retrieved the bodies of three top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Panay.
Soldiers had to carry the cadavers, one of which was already in an advanced state of decomposition, using an improvised hammock.
From Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo, where the bodies were found, the soldiers trekked for three days through slippery slopes and rugged terrain, carrying the remains of Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala, Rewilmar “Vivian” Torato Teodosio, and Vicente Hinojales.
On Monday, August 19, the soldiers finally reached the designated pick-up zone at Sitio Igdagmay, Barangay Cabatangan, where an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter of the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Group 6 (TOG 6) was waiting to airlift the cadavers to Lambunao town proper.
Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, said the retrieval operations began after they discovered the bodies of Bocala, also known as Concha, the former secretary and current first deputy secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P); and Teodosio, the secretary of Central Front (W), KR-P, on August 15 following a series of encounters in Lambunao.
Hours earlier, soldiers had found the body of Hinojales, the regional secretary of KR-P, in the same village.
“We had already planned to extract the bodies. We had a helicopter waiting to do that, but the weather was so unfavorable that it was difficult for the helicopter to land safely,” Samson said.
The soldiers later found a safe landing zone, but it took them three days to reach the area.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the retrieval operation highlighted the sacrifices made by the soldiers in the face of danger and challenging conditions.
Faced with a grueling multi-day trek through steep and slippery slopes, the soldiers navigated a dangerous environment with the added risk of potential encounters with NPA remnants.
Additionally, Sison noted they were exposed to health hazards due to the advanced state of decomposition of Hinojales’ body.
“Despite these threats and risks, they persevered, driven by their devotion to duty and commitment to return the cadavers of the CTG leaders to their families,” Sison said.
He emphasized that the soldiers on the ground did their best, unmindful of the risks and health hazards, to expedite the retrieval.
“This mission underscores the dedication and courage of our troops, who go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the proper return of the cadavers of these CTG leaders to their families and loved ones,” Sison added.
The cadavers are now at Caspe Funeral Homes in Lambunao, where they will undergo post-mortem investigation and autopsy before being turned over to their families.
