Rebs’ bodies brought to their families

MALITA, Davao Occidental–Soldiers from the 73rd Infantry Battalion (IB) took time off from continuing combat operations in Alabel, Sarangani province, to bring to their respective families the bodies of seven communist rebels killed during the Feb. 16 clash there.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Felix Babac, 73rd IB commander, told the Inquirer that delivering the bodies was an act of sympathy with the families, most of whom do not have the means to retrieve their fallen loved ones.

The last of the two bodies were brought home to their families in Malungon, Sarangani, on Friday, he said.

Among the bodies brought back to the families starting Feb. 18 was that of Tolentino Bariquit, alias Commander Brigol, of the New People’s Army’s Front 75, he said.

Babac also said four rebels, including two involved in the Alabel clash, had yielded as soldiers and continued combat operations there and in adjacent areas over the weekend.

The military identified the rebels who allegedly surrendered as Joey Tampa, 19, resident of Malungon town in Sarangani; Michael Calapong, resident of this town; Marilou Intan Dela Cruz, 21, resident of Alabel; and Odoy Maway Malbino, of this town.

Babac did not specify the dates the four rebels surrendered but said they joined their colleagues, Arnold Budiong, 21, and Bedeo Ansay, 21, who had surrendered earlier.

Babac said the 73rd IB is keeping custody of the rebels. Allan Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao