CARMEN, Surigao del Sur — The 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Joselito B. Ante Jr., has successfully recovered the remains of Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAFGU) member Marlon A. Astudillo, who had been missing since December 17, 2019.
The recovery was made possible through information revealed by a former rebel (FR) who voluntarily surrendered to the 36IB and is now under the unit’s custody. According to reports, the remains of Astudillo were discovered buried in a remote area of Sitio Inadan, Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
To extend assistance and comfort to the bereaved family, personnel of the 36IB, together with Mrs. Ermelyn Astudillo, the wife of the late CAFGU member, visited the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Miguel to seek further support and aid for the family. The battalion will also provide a duty and firing detail during the burial on October 22, 2025, as a final tribute and honor to the slain auxiliary.
LTC Ante Jr. condemned the brutal killing, calling it a grave violation of the Rule of Law and International Humanitarian Law.
“The brutal killing of the late CAA Astudillo is a clear violation of the Rule of Law and the International Humanitarian Law. We call on the remaining members of the NPA to stop the senseless violence and return to the fold of the law through the E-CLIP Program, which is open only until March 2026,” he stated.
The 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion reaffirmed its commitment to uphold justice, promote peace, and protect the people of Surigao del Sur from the continued atrocities of the remaining Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).