Editors Note: This is a statement from the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. DNX is printing it in full.
SIATON, Negros Oriental – The Army’s 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel Ramir J. Redosendo extended assistance to the bereaved families of the slain NPA terrorist in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Monday, December 28, 2020.
The financial assistance was handed over to 19-year-old Reggie Sabinan, son of Ricardo “Ka George” Sabinan. Ka George was laid to rest in Siaton on the same day. He is a resident of Sitio Budlis, Barangay Mantiquil. He has a standing warrant of arrest along with three others for the crime of Murder.
It can be recalled that elements of the 11IB encountered remnants of Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (SEF, KR – NCBS) at Sitio Libjo, Barangay Tayak (not Barangay Napacao as earlier reported) in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Christmas eve, December 24, 2020.
The encounter happened after the government forces received reports from concerned residents on the presence of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in the area. Two (2) communist-terrorists, including “Ka George,” were killed in a 30-minute firefight against the government forces.
Aside from the goods and financial assistance, the 11IB also provided burial assistance to the family of Ricardo Sabinan.
Captain Francis Salcedo, Civil-Military Operations officer of 11IB, stated that “The other slain NPA member was already identified. He is Wilbert Fuentes, alias “Ka MJ/ Ka ELIAS” and a resident of Barangay San Vicente, Trinidad, Bohol.”
“With the help of 47IB based at Camp Sikatuna in Bohol, we were able to identify and contact the family of “Ka MJ”. We are now preparing all the requirements needed so that we can immediately transport “Ka MJ” back to his family,” Captain Salcedo added.
Lieutenant Colonel Ramir J Redosendo, Commanding officer of 11IB, stressed that “We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families of slain communist-terrorists. Another unfortunate incident, these slain NPA members are just victims of deception and fake ideologies being inculcated to them by their privileged pendejo leaders.”
“We want a decent burial for them; that is why we set aside a small amount to extend help to the bereaved families. We want them to know that they are not left out, and their government and the Philippine Army will never abandon them,” Lt Col Redosendo added.
Colonel Leonardo I Peña, 302nd Brigade Commander also expressed his sadness and extended his condolences to the bereaved family. “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. This would be the result if we allow ourselves to be deceived by the NPA terrorists; but despite this, your Army and other Government agencies still join with the family by providing all the necessary assistances for the decent and peaceful burial of Ricardo “Ka George” Sabinan.”
“We are likewise calling all our peace-loving Negrosanons, do not allow our loved ones, relatives, and friends, to fall into the trap of the Communist Terrorist group. Always feel free to send us information if you happen to encounter and notice the NPA presence in your respective community,” Col Peña added.