By Villamor Visaya Jr., Philippine News Agency stringer and Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent
TUGUEGARAO CITY—The remains of a 23-year-old medical officer of the New People’s Army were unearthed by government troops in Sta. Teresita town, Cagayan province, the Army said on Tuesday (May 3).
Capt. Nonette Banggad, 77th Infantry Battalion spokesperson, said the body was identified as that of Michael Edillo, alias “Mareg,” 23, of Barangay Bunugan, Baggao town, also in Cagayan.
Edillo’s remains were discovered by soldiers from the 77th Infantry Battalion and police at an unmarked grave in Sitio Aboli, Barangay Aridoen on Sunday (May 1).
According to the military, Edillo was medical officer and instructor of communist rebels operating in Cagayan Valley region.
Edillo was believed killed in a clash between soldiers and rebels in Barangay Dungeg, Sta. Teresita on Sept. 22, 2021.
Two former rebels tipped off authorities about the location of Edillo’s remains, said Lt. Col. Magtangol Panopio, 77th Infantry Battalion commander.
“We are really grateful for the cooperation of the former rebels so that we can give Mareg a decent burial and we can at least let his family mourn in peace,” Panopio added.#
