Government troops retrieved the skeletal remains of a suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) who died in a battle in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental in 2021.

According to the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), a former rebel who surrendered to authorities recently revealed the location of the remains of alias “Rebo” in Sitio Mangilet, Barangay Bal-ason.

The military then exhumed the remains on December 18, 2025, and transferred them to an appropriate burial site with the assistance of the local government.

“The 58IB ensured that the remains were handled with utmost respect and dignity. The unit emphasized that even in death, every individual deserves to be valued and treated humanely, regardless of former affiliations,” 58IB said.

58IB said alias “Rebo” was the commanding officer of Platoon Falcon, SRC 1, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC), who was among the casualties during an armed encounter with 58IB troops in 2021.

“Kahit dati naming kaaway ang nasawi, at kahit kalansay na lamang ang kanyang naiwan, pinili pa rin ng 58IB na bigyang-halaga ang kanyang pagkamatay at igalang ang kanyang pagkatao. Ang kanyang sinapit ay malinaw na resulta ng mapanlinlang na ideolohiya ng CPP-NPA-NDF. Sa sandaling ikaw ay mamatay sa engkwentro, madalas ay iniiwan ka lamang, walang pagkilala, walang maayos na libingan, at walang tunay na malasakit,” 58IB Commander, Lt. Col. Leoncito Grezula Jr., said.