Army Identifies Rebels Slain in Abra Clash; Rights Group Questions Autopsy Delays

BAGUIO CITY — The Philippine Army on Thursday identified the three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels slain in an August 4 encounter in Abra, as a Cordillera human rights group questioned delays in the autopsy and release of their remains to their families. In a statement, the Army’s 5th Infantry Division identified the fatalities as Ramon Valdez, also known as “Carlos Tabang”; Joel Galicia, or “Boni”; and Jeffrey Bartolome, or “Don.” They were reportedly killed in a firefight with the 41st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tagaelao, Lamut, Ifugao. The Cordillera Human Rights Watch (CHRM) expressed regret over the delayed autopsy and the continued inability of the families to claim the bodies. “We are concerned about the delay in the autopsy and the release of the remains of the slain NPA members to their families,” CHRM said in a statement. The group urged government authorities to ensure swift and transparent procedures and to respect the rights of the bereaved families. “We call on the authorities to provide the families with the necessary assistance and to expedite the process of releasing the bodies,” CHRM added. The NPA has been engaged in an armed struggle against the government for many years, posing a security challenge in the Philippines. Reports of human rights abuses in conflict-affected areas, particularly in rural regions, are recurrent. The handling of the remains in this incident highlights the complexities of human rights issues in conflict zones within the Philippines. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo