A TOP leader of the communist insurgency movement were among six New People’s Army guerrillas reportedly killed in an encounter with government troops on Monday, Dec. 2, in the hinterlands of Barangay Paco, Las Navas, Northern Samar.
The slain rebels were identified by their former comrades as Ariel Baselga, aliases Aries and Polly; Renar Diaz alias Beloy and Monmon; Rey Tafalla alias Bunso; James Arandia alias Taying; Maricar Asinas, alias Ikar; and alias Kagid.
Following the encounter, the soldiers requested for Philippine National Police Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) to conduct a post mortem examinations.
Baselga was reputedly a top terrorist who served as secretary of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
On the other hand, Diaz allegedly served as vice-commander of the Sub-Regional Operations Command of the SRC Emporium. He was responsible for planning and supervising the tactical operations of former rebel units under SRC.
The rebel group was tagged as notorious for having committed numerous atrocities in Northern Samar, including extortion, killing of innocent civilians, and terrorism.
A case in point is the murder last Feb. 28 of militiaman Jeffey Aceron in Barangay Igot, Pambujan town. The following day, barangay kawagad Joel Surio of Cagbigajo, also in Pambujan, was shot dead by members of the SRC.
Other reported incidents of violence included harassment against troops from the 8th Infantry Division who were delivering basic services in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
On May 16, Cpl. Isagani Balmes of the 19th Infantry Battalion, was likewise fatally shot in the chest while providing community support in Barangay Lourdes, Las Navas.
On Oct. 5, militiaman Alejandro Claudio was also assaulted in Barangay Capotoan, Las Navas, .
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Joint Task Force Storm and the 8th Infantry Division, extended condolences to the families of the fatalities in the encounter while reiterating the Army’s commitment to upholding dignity and respect, even for adversaries.
“It is saddening to see fellow Filipinos deceived by the false ideologies of communist terrorists meet such a tragic end. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families,” Orio said.
“While they were our enemies, we honor their humanity by providing them with proper and dignified burial. However, this outcome could have been avoided if they had chosen to lay down their arms and surrender,” he added.
