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Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Another soldier tortured to death by rebels: military (1:55 p.m.)
By Harley Palangchao
CAMP ALLEN--Another soldier was reportedly tortured to death by suspected New People's Army rebels in Cuyapo town, Nueva Ecija on October 18, barely two days after the summary execution of another government trooper also by suspected communist guerillas, the military said Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Preme Monta, information officer of the AFP North Luzon Command (Nolcom), said Sgt. Eulogio Campos of the 71st Infantry Battalion was attending to his farm, along with his wife, when three NPA rebels abducted him. His body was found the following day.
Monta said a farm helper told authorities that around 10:30 a.m. of Oct. 18, the slain soldier went to a nearby creek to catch shrimp using a net. He failed to return for lunch prompting his family to scour the area for his whereabouts.
The family of Campos later learned from the village folks that three men armed with high-powered firearms dragged an unconscious man that they could not identify. It turned out that Campos was indeed that helpless victim because the following day, his body was found dumped unceremoniously in an area within the barangay.
A rope was tied to his neck and his body bore multiple gunshot wounds and lacerations, which indicate he may have been tortured before he was killed.
The family revealed the rebels had been threatening Campos when he was still alive, and on several occasions attempted to talk to him but the soldier refused.
Two days prior to the incident, the body of another soldier-victim of NPA brutality identified as Private Marlon Laggui was recovered by elements of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Minanga, San Mariano, Isabela.
The victim was on his way to purchase supplies and other provisions at San Mariano Public Market when accosted by some 20 NPA rebels under Lourdes Bulan.
Laggui's body bore the brunt of barbaric and sadistic nature. Laggui had multiple gunshot wounds, blackened neck caused by heavy blow and abrasion on the chin. (Sun.Star Baguio) |
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