Google map of San Guillermo, Isabela.
CAMP MARCELO ADDURU, Tuguegarao City -- Police operatives on Thursday found a male body, suspected to be that of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, who was slain in a gun battle with cops in San Guillermo, Isabela last Monday.
The cadaver was found off Sinalugan Creek in Barangay San Mariano Norte of the town, police said on Friday.
Brig. Gen. Angelito Casimiro, acting regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Cagayan Valley, said a resident of nearby Colorado village discovered and reported the location of the body, which has bullet wounds on the left leg and buttocks.
Operatives of the San Guillermo police and 2nd Isabela Provincial Mobile Force Company led by Lt. Col. Virgilio Vi-con Abellera responded to the report and recovered the body, believed to be that of an Aeta. Also recovered were a 30-meter black electrical wire being used for explosives, personal belongings, and medical kits of suspected communist rebels.
The body was brought to the Carbonel Funeral Homes for autopsy.
Casimiro tasked Col. Mariano Rodriguez, Isabela police director, to conduct an in-depth investigation to determine the identity of the dead man and confirm his involvement in the gun battle.
Meanwhile, Army soldiers from the 86th Infantry Battalion found two camouflage backpacks at the encounter site in Barangay San Mariano Norte, San Guillermo, containing a bandolier, binocular, eight-piece battery, three pieces long magazine for M-16 Armalite rifle, 70 live ammunition for M-16 rifle, assorted medical supply, toiletries, assorted foodstuff, two empty butane tanks, one portable butane gas stove, food and other belongings.
The clash between policemen and the NPA rebels early this week resulted in the death of a cop from Quirino province and wounding of his three fellow policemen. (PNA)
