PNP names 6 of 19 fatalities in Negros Occidental clash

BACOLOD CITY—The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) has activated a Special Investigation Task Group to establish the identities of bodies recovered following a series of “encounters” in Toboso, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.  

Through forensic examination, documentation, and coordination with local government units and relatives, the task group aims to provide a formal accounting of the deceased, said the PRO NIR statement.

The Philippine Army earlier said that 19 alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed during a series of encounters with soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion in Barangay  Salamanca, Toboso, on April 19. 

READ: Army: NPA leadership in Negros wiped out   

 On Wednesday, PRO NIR confirmed that six of the 19 fatalities have been positively identified and claimed by their respective families. They were Rene Villarin Sr., alias Kumader Pikot, 58, of Sitio Huwebisan, Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava; Roger Fabillar Tapang, alias Jhong or Arnel, 36,  of Sitio Malig-on, Barangay Bandila, Toboso; Ruel Sabillo, 19, of Sitio Singiton, Barangay Tabun-ak, Toboso; Sonny Boy Manayon Caramihan, 28, of Sitio Batbataw, Barangay Bagonbon, San Carlos City; Pedro Agustin Bonghanoy, 32, of Barangay Libertad, Escalante City; and Arnel  Mahilum Javoc, 32, of Sitio Labay-ao, Barangay Lalong, Calatrava. 

 Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, PRO NIR Director, said that the successful identification and release of the remains reflect their commitment to professionalism and humanitarian considerations. 

He noted that while the police are carrying out lawful duties, they remain dedicated to showing compassion to the families involved. 

Meanwhile, Altermidya Network had said its NIR coordinator. RJ Nichole Ledesma was among those killed, while the UP Diliman University Student Council confirmed the death of Alyssa Alano in Sunday’s incident.

READ: Local journo among dead in Negros Occidental clash

Continuing efforts are now focused on identifying the other fatalities, the PRO NIR said.  

Police authorities are currently validating submitted information, reviewing available records, and conducting further medico-legal and forensic documentation,  it added. 

The PRO NIR said they are facilitating the orderly release of all confirmed cadavers once the necessary documentary and legal requirements are fully completed./coa