The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division of the Philippine Army has identified seven (7) out of the 10 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) who were killed during the Christmas Day encounter in the hinterlands of Malaybalay City in Bukidnon. Among those killed as identified by Lt Col Anthony A. Bacus, the Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, were Beverly Sinunta alias Ayang, the Secretary of so-called Sub-Regional Committee-2 (SRC2) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), her husband Alfredo Banawan alias Alab, the Deputy Secretary and their daughter Chen-chen Banawan alias Pao/Chin2, all from Sitio Trukat, Brgy. Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon.
The other four CNT fatalities were Penita Singaman alias Pening, a resident of Purok 8, Brgy. Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon; Bebot L. Solinay alias Ligid, a resident of Sitio Kadagsangan, Brgy. Bulonay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; Aurellio Gonsalez alias Alvin, a resident of Zone 8, Brgy. Kalasungay, Malaybalay City; and Louie Bada alias Loue whose residence is in Agusan province. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Bacus has been closely coordinating with different intelligence communities and former rebels for the identification of the three (3) remaining cadavers of the CNTs.
The successful joint operations of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, which happened early dawn on December 25, resulted to the death of 10 CNTs who were members of the SRC2, Headquarters Loader and Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq all of NCMRC.
8IB operating troops extricated the cadavers of the CNTs yesterday, December 26, at Sitio Kieto, Brgy Can-ayan in Malaybalay City and were immediately transported to Villanueva Funeral Homes in the same City in which seven dead CNTs were identitified based on previous data profile, family members and their former comrades who previously surrendered to the government. Moreover, the 8IB has informed the families of the CNTs and has coordinated with the PNP and the Local Government Unit for proper disposition and turn-over of the remains.
In a statement, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of 4ID, said that the identification of said CNTs highlights the sad truth about the membership of the CTG, particularly those holding top leadership as family business, which took undue advantage in recruiting 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 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. 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. Moreover, rest assured that the 4ID, in close collaboration with LGU and LGAs, will extend assistance and support to the families of the dead CNTs,” MGen Cuerpo added.
photos and text by 4ID, PA
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