3 captured NPAs were accorded human rights midst encounter in Samar

By CMO Battalion, 8ID PA
January 30, 2012

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City  –  In adherence to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, the Rule of Law prevailed amidst the fierce encounter between the troops of 87IB and the group of NPA in the vicinity of Brgy Guinbanga, Calbiga, Samar on January 23, 2012 that resulted to the seizure of an NPA Camp and recovery of voluminous subversive documents and equipment including a laptop computer.

Three suspected NPAs were also captured when they were left by their withdrawing comrades and their group out manuevered by the government forces.  Despite the soldiers desire to revenge the loss of life of their companion who was killed during the encounter, their sense of professionalism and respect for HR prevailed.  They were treated humanely and were apprised of their constitutional rights.

Gen Chan commended the soldiers of 87IB for their professionalism and observance to HR and rule of law.  “This is a good development to our soldiers. The respect of human rights they displayed at the height of the encounter showed their sincere commitment to the rule of law. This is a result of our continuing efforts to educate our soldiers in order to be disciplined and true advocates of human rights”.

The suspects who were identified as Maita Abadidano y Mabini alias “Mytha/Jenny”, Jerry Sablan y Macanas alias “Jerry”, and Delmar Dacdac y Llantada alias “Archie”.  They (suspects) were charged by the police authorities for violation of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by Republic Act 8294 (illegal possession of firearms) and Republic Act 9516 (illegal possession of explosives).

The SOCO Team from Crime Laboratory, Samar Provincial Police Office was also quick to conduct examination at the scene of encounter to ensure the preservation of evidences and truthfulness to the incident.  The troops recovered in the possession of the three captured NPAs four (4) M26 fragmentation hand grenades, one (1) M1911 calibre 45 pistol, one (1) calibre 9mm berretta and fifteen (15) rounds of ammunitions.

A separate case will be filed by the Police authorities against the NPA group including the three suspects for the killing of CAA Luis C Gacuma, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary who was killed during the encounter.  Additionally, another case will be filed against the suspects as witness identified them as part of the NPA group who attacked the Hinabangan Police Station on September 12, 2011.