A MEMBER of a communist terrorist group (CTG) who was killed in an encounter with the Army's 82nd Infantry Battalion in Lambunao, Iloilo, on September 19, 2023, has been identified.
The military identifed the victim as Jemar Diaz, a 20-year-old resident of Barangay Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz.
Diaz was found by the military 700 meters away from the encounter site.
The military said that Diaz's aunt claimed his body at a funeral home in the town of Lambunao.
“The death of Jemar is another concrete example of how the CTG treats its lowly members. When he was wounded and became a burden during their withdrawal, they abandoned him to suffer and die a tragic death. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for the remaining CNTs (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army Terrorists),” said Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division said.
“Leave the group and be with your family. You all certainly deserve a second chance at life and the opportunity to become productive members of society,” Sison added.
In the same encounter, Private First Class Mars Echevarria of the Philippine Army was killed and Private First Class Joemarie Llesis was wounded.
Sison also expressed his regrets and sympathy to the grieving family of Echevarria, who hailed from Ilog, Negros Occidental. He also assured Llesis from Cauayan, Negros Occidental that the Army will take care of him until he makes a full recovery.
“We will provide the necessary assistance to our soldiers who were casualties in the recent encounter in Lambunao, Iloilo. Appropriate medical treatment and other personal necessities will be accorded to PFC Llesis for him to immediately recuperate and recover. Likewise, we will ensure that PFC Echevarria be given a decent burial and that his family gets the full benefits and assistance due to them,” Sison said.
“To these two brave and gallant soldiers who are more than willing to offer their life and limbs to fulfill their solemn oath to protect the Peace in this part of the Region - you are worthy of emulation and exemplars of soldiery. We will be forever grateful for your sacrifices and selfless service to the people and the nation,” Sison added. (SunStar Philippines)