Senate condoles with solon for death of daughter killed in clash with AFP

Rep. Eufemia Cullamat. FILE PHOTO / ERWIN MASCARIÑAS

MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of a hearing into alleged red-tagging by military officials, the Senate on Tuesday expressed its condolences to Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat for the death of her daughter, who was slain in a clash between between government soldiers and the New People’s Army (NPA).

“On behalf of the Senate, I’d like to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to Bayan Muna Rep. Cullamat for the loss of her daughter Jevilyn,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III said before the Senate defense committee began its third hearing on red-tagging.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. May your beautiful memories sustain and bring comfort to you during this difficult time,” he added.

According to the Philippine Army, Jevilyn, who allegedly serves as a medic for the NPA, was killed in an encounter with the Philippine Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) last November 28.

“As far as we are concerned, a dead NPA rebel or a dead soldier is only as bad and tragic as a dead Filipino for we see no difference except probably the cause that they had fought and died for,” Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate defense panel, said.