BACOLOD CITY, (PNA) — Troopers of the Philippine Army recovered a body of a New People’s Army (NPA) leader and captured his wounded comrade five days after their encounter in Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental.
The cadaver of Herjun “Buboy” Llorente, 32, was found by soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Efren Morados and Bug-ang barangay officials at around 1:45 p.m. Thursday.
Llorente’s body, which was brought to Toboso Police Station, was identified by his relatives and former rebels.
Hours later at around 5:20 p.m., the soldiers also discovered the presence of Diolito “Dodoy” Carbanuel, 23, who was wounded on his right foot, at a residence in Purok Marañon, Barangay Puey, Sagay City.
Soldiers applied first aid on Carbanuel, who was later brought by a military ambulance to a hospital.
According to the military, Llorente is the leader of Squad 3 and vice commander of the Sentro de Grabidad Platoon of the NPA Northern Negros Front operating in the Escalante-Toboso-Calatrava area.
The slain rebel’s brother Hernando Llorente, commander of the NPA Northern Negros Front, and the latter’s wife Faith Rosee Basergo were arrested for robbery in band in April last year. However, both were able to post bail and returned to the rebel movement.
Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a statement the military extends their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Llorente.
“It is tragic that he has taken arms against the people of Negros when the Negrenses understand that only through peace can development and social justice be attained. For those who might have been wounded during the encounters, we are ready to extend our help through medical assistance,” Baladad added.