LINGIG, Surigao del Sur – The Philippine Army’s 67th Infantry (Agila) Battalion, under the operational control of the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade, successfully facilitated the return of the remains of an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) leader to his family in Calinan, Davao City, with support from the 10th Civil-Military Operations (Kalinaw) Battalion and the local government unit (LGU) of Lingig.
The deceased, known by his aliases Aldrin, Archie, Diego, or REB, was identified as the Commanding Officer of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG)-Jaguar, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC). He was killed in an armed encounter with government troops on May 10, 2025, in Sitio Mendezona, Barangay Rajah Cabungsuan, Lingig.
After the firefight, the remains were brought to a local funeral home through the assistance of the LGU of Lingig and the Philippine National Police. On May 12, the 67th IB transported the body to Calinan, Davao City, where it was received by the 1003rd Infantry Brigade and turned over to the family.
In an emotional message, the father of the deceased expressed his appreciation to the Army and the LGU of Lingig.
“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa 67IB, 10CMO Battalion ug sa LGU Lingig sa ilang tabang sa amo. Bug-at kaayo para sa usa ka amahan ang nahitabo sa akong anak, pero bisan pa man niini, mapasalamaton gihapon ko nga nauli siya sa amo nga tarong ug malinawon.”
He also urged fellow parents to remain vigilant.
“Mga ginikanan, bantayan nato ang atong mga anak. Dili nato pasagdan nga madani sila sa sayop nga dalan. Aron dili mahuman sa sama sa akong anak ang ilang kinabuhi.”
The 67IB continues to call on remaining members of the RSDG-Jaguar to surrender and return to civilian life. The unit reiterated the government’s commitment through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides support for former rebels to reintegrate into society and live peaceful lives.
“This is a painful reminder of the consequences of armed struggle,” said Lt. Col. Jethro Doligas, Commanding Officer of 67IB. “But it is also an opportunity for others to choose a different path—one that leads to peace and reconciliation.”