The 68th Infantry (Kaagapay) Battalion (68IB) of the Philippine Army has appealed to the family of a slain communist rebel fighter to claim the remains following an encounter in Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Rino Guda, the commanding officer of the 68IB, the armed encounter occurred during a focus military operation conducted by the troops in the Isla Pangkak (IP Term) area of Sitio Danlog, Barangay Monteclaro.

The firefight resulted in the death of one member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), who was positively identified by a former rebel comrade as alias “FLEX”.

In a statement, San Jose Mayor Rey C. Ladaga expressed his condolences over the incident.

“I call on the family of the slain NPA member in the encounter between the 68IB, 2ID of the Philippine Army and the left-leaning group in Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro,” Mayor Ladaga said.

The mayor added that the remains of the NPA fighter have been properly turned over and are currently kept at the Maxima Memorial Homes, with the coordination of the local government and the municipal police.

“It is the duty of our troops, together with the Local Government of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and the police, to ensure that the remains of the fallen NPA member are properly turned over to his legitimate family.

At the very least, he can be with his true family one last time,” Lt. Col. Guda said.

Those with information are encouraged to call or text the 68IB hotline at +63-955-914-5969.