THE DEAD body of a communist New People’s Army amazon was claimed by her relatives yesterday in one of the funeral parlors in Gingoog City after she had been killed in gunfights with the government troops in Misamis Oriental, a military official said Sunday.
Authorities said the clashes occurred Friday with the elements of Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion against around 20 NPA rebels in Sitio Mangilet, Bal-ason, Gingoog City.
“Our soldiers killed a communist amazon and recovered her firearm,” said 58IB commander Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy.
Canatoy said the killed NPA amazon was identified as Brenda Sereño, 24, a resident of Sitio Kamansi, Brgy Banglay, Lagonglong.
The slain “amazon” was a medical officer of the rebel group’s PPH,Huawie,SRC1,NCMRC and was abandoned by her comrades following the encounter, according to Canatoy.
"Our sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the killed female rebel. Another life is wasted and lost for fighting the wrong ideologies of the NPA. We hope that this will be the last person who sacrificed her life just for nothing," Canatoy said.
The firefight lasted for several minutes, after which the NPA rebels fled to different directions.
“The ‘amazon’ (Sereño) was identified by former rebels who were now at the government side,” according to Canatoy.
The troops also recovered an m14 rifle, landmine, radio,medicines, sacks of rice and other belongings.
“We brought the remains of Sereño at the funeral homes and the dead body was already claimed by her kin," said Canatoy.
Furthermore, Canatoy urged the remaining NPA rebels to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and avail the programs of the government.
"You are always welcome to us if you decide to surrender and we will assist you until you avail all the benefits under Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)," said Canatoy adding, that "your Army will continue its quest in ensuring the safety and security of every individual in the communities."
Canatoy said that Sereño's remains were brought to Barangay Banglay, in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental by their relatives. (Ben Balce)
