Army returns alleged NPA rebel's remains to family in Mindoro

Philippine Army personnel turn over the remains of alleged New People’s Army member Anhing ‘Ka Oca’ Ingayan Da-it to his family after he was killed in an encounter with government troops in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro, on July 9. — Photo courtesy of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division

LUCENA CITY — The Philippine Army has turned over the remains of an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) member killed in an encounter in Occidental Mindoro to his family, saying it remains committed to upholding human dignity even amid armed conflict.

In a report released Friday (July 17), the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) said troops facilitated the return of the remains of Anhing “Ka Oca” Ingayan Da-it, who was killed in an encounter with government forces in Magsaysay town on July 9.

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“Ensuring that his remains were returned to his family reflects the professionalism, discipline, and humanity that our soldiers uphold in every operation,” Brig. Gen. Melencio Ragudo, commander of the Army’s 203rd Infantry Brigade, said.

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Ragudo said the encounter was part of a legitimate military operation and stressed that government forces remain committed to respecting human dignity despite the ongoing insurgency.

Following the clash, soldiers coordinated with Da-it’s family to facilitate the return of his remains, allowing them to give him a proper and dignified burial in accordance with established procedures.

The military said Da-it’s son, whose identity was withheld, thanked the Army for helping return his father’s body so the family could finally lay him to rest.

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According to the military, the son also denounced the communist armed struggle in a social media post and appealed to those still in the insurgency to return to their families instead of continuing the rebellion.

He also expressed hope that no other family, particularly those from Mangyan communities, would suffer the same loss.

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Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, said the family’s message highlighted the human cost of armed conflict.

“The words of Mr. Da-it’s son remind us that behind every armed encounter is a family that bears the pain of loss,” Zagala said.

“The Philippine Army does not celebrate the loss of life because we recognize that those involved in armed conflict are still our fellow Filipinos,” he added.

Zagala again urged remaining NPA members to surrender, reunite with their families, and help build peaceful communities.

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“It is our sincere hope that those who remain in the armed movement will choose peace, return to their families, and become partners in building safe, peaceful, and progressive communities. Peace will always be our greatest victory,” he said. /das