Slain rebel, wounded civilian known
ROXAS CITY – The rebel killed and the civilian wounded during the encounter between the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and the New People’s Army rebels last Saturday in Pontevedra, Capiz were already identified by their families.
The Pontevedra Police Station said the slain rebel was identified as Rudymil Francisco of Brgy. Puok, Culasi, Roxas City, who sustained six gunshot wounds.
Francisco’s mother Angelina, who went to the funeral parlor in Pontevedra, confirmed his identity.
She said that her son left home a month ago to work in Iloilo City and learning that he was killed in an encounter between the soldiers and rebels surprised her.
Francisco is reportedly a member of a militant group in Roxas City.
Meanwhile, the injured civilian was identified as Annie Bangod, 28, of Lantagan, Pontevedra, Capiz.
Bangod was shot on her back and is now recuperating at the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital.
Police report said an encounter took place between 20 armed men believed to be members of the NPA and the members of the 61st IB led by 2nd Lt. Gilbert Facunla at around 5:30 p.m. last Saturday.
The armed men were reportedly seen at the house of Abner Bangud, prompting the soldiers to respond.
However, the spokesperson of the NPA’s Nonito Aquirre Sr. Command-Eastern Front Panay has denied that an encounter took place.
In a letter sent to several radio stations, the spokesperson said the encounter was fake.*
