BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – A rebel who was reportedly left behind by his comrades and a soldier who died fighting them were buried on the same day, 11 September as the world commemorated the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Christopher Alada, a former first class private under the 79th Infantry Battallion was buried as a hero in the public cemetery of Badiangan town, Iloilo province while the dead guerrilla previously identified by the Army as alias Pabling was given a “decent burial” in Silay City.
Pabling and Alada died on the same day, 20 August 2021 when their units – Alada’s 79th Infantry Battallion and Pabling’s Northern Negros Front – clashed in the upland plantation (hacienda) Raymunda in the village of Kapitan Ramon in Silay City.
The Army had earlier reported the clash was an attempt by the New People’s Army to reestablish its northern front that the military had earlier reported to have been disbanded.
Pabling, the Army said, was not claimed by his relatives or by anyone.
79th IB commanding officer, Lt. Col. J-jay Javines said in a news release “Unlike the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) who just leave their dead comrade behind, your Philippine Army will always respect everybody’s right to a decent burial. @Pabling died fighting for a wrong cause, but still, he is a fellow Filipino that deserves respect and humane treatment. We thank Mayor Mark Andrew Arthur Golez of Silay City for his support in order that this effort will be materialized.”
The officer added ” this incident should serve as a caveat to the remaining (rebels). Abandon the armed struggle, lay down your arms and choose the path towards peace for sooner or later, the long arms of justice will come unto you and you will suffer the same fate as that of @Pabling; left behind and abandoned to his grave.”
First Lt Dansan M Camua also reported that Alada was given a gun salute during his burial.
