Benito Tiamzon and his wife, Wilma, seen in this Feb. 13, 2017, in Oslo, Norway. File Photo
TAFT, Eastern Samar — A top military official in Eastern Visayas expressed optimism that the insurgency problem in the country was nearing its end after the confirmation of the death of spouses Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon in Samar eight months ago.
Major General Camilo Ligayo, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, said the couple’s death has affected the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
He urged the remaining members of the communist group to surrender.
“It’s time for them to return to the mainstream of our society,” Ligayo said in an interview during the groundbreaking on April 21, of a solar power farm.
The military said the Tiamzon couple was among those killed when a motorboat exploded off the coast of Catbalogan in Samar during an encounter on August 22, 2022 with government troops.
The CPP on Thursday confirmed the deaths of the Tiamzons but said they did not die from an encounter but were tortured and killed by the military.
When the couple were earlier arrested and detained by government forces, Ligayo said the couple was treated well.
“There was an encounter. When they were imprisoned, they were treated well. This shows that we observe human rights,” Ligayo said.
He said the Tiamzon couple was considered “terrorists and fugitives” facing 15 murder cases.
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