Body of abducted Army sergeant found in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines – The remains of a soldier who was abducted and executed by communist rebels last year have been found in Pagan village, Bukidnon, the military said Wednesday.

Staff Sergeant Wilton Pairat, 55, was seized by members of the New People’s Army in Kipolot village, Quezon town in Bukidnon on February 6, 2011, said the Army’s 4th Infantry Division spokesman Major Eugenio Osias.

His family clung to hope that he was still alive until the rebels contacted them and confirmed that Pairat was dead.

“His family received a phone call recently telling them if they want to retrieve the body. So the elder brother was sent to claim the remains,” Osias said.

He added that Pairat’s family spent about P30,000 to recover the body, but clarified that they did not give cash to the rebels.

“The money was spent on transportation, food and payment for digging up the body,” he added.

Osias said Pairat’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Pairat was a father of two children and has applied for retirement before he was abducted.

Major General Victor Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, condoled with the family of Pairat and vowed to help in hunting down the perpetrators behind sergeant’s death.