CATBALOGAN CITY — Government forces unearthed the remains of a New People’s Army (NPA) member in a forested area of Sitio Silao Bato, Brgy. Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte on Saturday, April 6, this year.
The victim, identified as Teodulo Arbuyas or “Teng/Enting” of Platoon 1, Island Committee 47 – LEVOX (IC 47- LEVOX) of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, was reportedly buried by his comrades according to a former rebel who surrendered to the Army earlier.
A combined team of the Army’s 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion, Southern Leyte Provincial Forensic Unit, Southern Leyte Police Mobile Force Company, and the Sogod Municipal Police Station retrieved the victim’s cadaver after former rebel John Lamadora disclosed the location of his body and the nature of his death.
Arbuyas allegedly died of Hepatitis due to neglect by the communist leadership, who left him untreated and intentionally withheld news of his death from his family.
Lamadora revealed that Arbuyas had wanted to surrender but was prevented by his NPA commander, as the communist movement rejected the idea of him receiving proper medical treatment with Army and government assistance.
Arbuyas was positively identified by his wife through a tattoo on his chest. “It is imperative that Arbuyas receives a decent burial to allow his family to grieve. It is our mandate to serve the people and provide necessary assistance to victims of the armed struggle even after death,” said local Army Commander Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Gabia.
Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, extended condolences to Arbuyas’ family while expressing dismay at the treatment of NPA members by their movement.
“I was horrified to learn of Teng or Enting’s desire to surrender so he could receive medical treatment. It exposes the true terrorist nature of NPA Commanders who do not value human life,” BGen Vestuir stated.
Vestuir thanked Lamadora and reiterated his call for remaining NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and surrender, offering safety and security through the Friends Rescued through Engagement with their Families (FReE Families) program.
“I commend former rebel John Lamadora for helping locate Arbuyas’ body so his family can give him a proper burial. I once again urge peaceful surrender for IC 47 – LEVOX members to live in peace,” Vestuir added. (via Ricky Bautista)
