Monday, March 01, 2004
I didn't know my son is a rebel: Tarino's mom
By Ruby P. Silubrico
"I DON'T know my son has joined the rebel movement."
This was admitted by Federica Tarino, mother of New People's Army (NPA) rebel Arlan Tarino, who was wounded during an encounter between their group and the troopers of Task Force Panay and the 33rd Reconnaissance Company in Dumarao, Capiz Tuesday afternoon.
The elder Tarino, who's family is from Sagay City, Negros Occidental, came to Iloilo City after learning her 35-year-old son was confined at Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao.
She said that when Arlan left home several years ago, he told her he is visiting his sister Elene Tarino Alior in Dumarao.
So she was surprised when he figured in an encounter with the military, adding that she does not believe her son is a rebel.
"He said he will only visit his sister and look for a job," she said.
Arlan, who was hit on the neck, is now confined at WVMC's Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He is under the watch of Sgt. Noly Alado.
He belongs to the Eastern Front Committee headed by Romulo Gangoso alias Ka Reagan.
The other rebel who was killed has not been identified yet as of press time.
The wounded soldier was identified as Pvt. First Class Charlie Palomado, 27, a resident of Barotac Nuevo.
Rights
Meanwhile, lawyer Jonnie Dabuco of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) assured Tarino he will be provided legal services and his rights as a captured/wounded combatant will be respected.
Dabuco's statement was echoed by lawyer Janne Baterna, who joined the representatives of a humanitarian mission who visited Tarino at the hospital Friday.
The humanitarian mission is composed of Panay Alliance-Karapatan, Bayan-Panay, Health Education and Services for the Less-Privileged (Help)-Panay, Promotion of Church People's Response (PCPR) and Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Amnestiya (Selda).
"As a detainee, he has the right to visitation especially by his parents, relatives and friends. He has also the right to have lawyers and remain silent without his legal counsel," Baterna said.
Adequate medical assistance
Dr. Jose Ma. Fermin, WVMC director, assured the group that Tarino would be provided adequate medical assistance just like any other patient.
Jeffrey Celiz, chairperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Panay, joined the humanitarian mission during a meeting with Fermin.
Celiz said their groups collected more than P6,000 as financial assistance for Tarino.
We already answered the call of Maj. Lowen Marquez of the 47th Infantry Division to help Tarino, he said.
(February 28, 2004 issue)
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