Philippine soldiers trekked for nearly a day through rugged mountainous terrain in Abra to recover the remains of a slain member of the New People’s Army following a recent armed encounter in Licuan-Baay.
The recovery operation was conducted by troops of the 50th Infantry (Defender) Battalion after the area was declared safe and in coordination with appropriate authorities.
The soldiers faced difficult mountain terrain, inclement weather and the effects of a recent typhoon during the operation.
MGen. Gulliver L. Señires, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, said the troops remained committed to completing the mission despite the challenging conditions.
The soldiers trekked for nearly a day to reach the encounter site, recover the remains and bring them down from the mountainous area.
Señires said the mission was not only part of the soldiers’ operational duties but also an effort to ensure that the deceased could be returned to their respective families with dignity and respect.
The 5th Infantry Division said the recovery was conducted in accordance with established legal, security and humanitarian procedures.
The military also emphasized its commitment to treating human remains with dignity regardless of the deceased’s affiliation.
Señires said every family deserves the opportunity to properly mourn and lay their loved ones to rest.
The military said the remains would be lawfully turned over to the appropriate authorities and the bereaved family.
The operation highlighted the challenges faced by soldiers in reaching remote areas, particularly amid difficult weather and terrain conditions.
The 5th Infantry Division said its troops carried out the recovery mission with professionalism, compassion and respect for human dignity and International Humanitarian Law.
