Troops find slain NPA member's body in Compostela

MANILA, Philippines - The body of an unidentified New People’s Army (NPA) member was recovered in Maco, Compostela Valley a day after an encounter between government troops and the rebels.

1Lt. Vergel Lacambra, civil-military operations officer of the Army’s 66th battalion, said the cadaver was recovered last Saturday by local officials at Purok 5 in Barangay Gubatan.

“The cadaver was found by a civilian in the encounter site abandoned by the rebel group after the intense firefight with the government operating troops,” Lacambra said in a statement issued Monday.

“The troops immediately asked the assistance of the local officials for the transport of the cadaver from Barangay Gubatan,” he added.

The body of the slain rebel was brought to Landa Funeral Homes for proper burial.

Lacambra said soldiers were in the area to conduct security operations after a cache of high-powered firearms was discovered inside a house last week. – Irene Bongcales