Court lets political detainee attend burial of slain rebel

The court has allowed a political detainee to attend the burial of his stepson, slain rebel Jerry Badayos, at the Calamba cemetery yesterday afternoon.

Regional Trial Court judge Gaudioso Villarin granted the request of Jigger Geverola to be at the funeral that was also attended by their supporters bearing placards with words of their love and gratitude to the fallen comrade.

Throughout the five-hour funeral rites, two jail guards escorted Geverola who said he is a proud member of the National Democratic Front but is not a member of the New People's Army.

Geverola said no one convinced Jerry to join the NPA as it was a personal decision, but he saluted his stepson for what he did to his group and the people.

A flag of the NPA was placed on top of Jerry's casket throughout the interment. Then there were speeches from relatives and some supporters followed by shouts of "makigbisog, ayaw kahadlok," and the singing of "Awit Para Kay Bambi."

Jerry's mother, Elisa, said she respected her son's joining the NPA, adding that she will not shed tears for his death because it was a proof that his sacrifices for the people were not in vain.

Labor leader Winnie Badayos, Jerry's uncle, said during the burial that despite his death, Jerry's mission for the people would remain alive.

Jerry's body may be imprisoned forever but the cause will forever be free, Winnie added.

Jerry, alias Ka Basili, was killed in an early morning firefight with soldiers of the 78th Infantry Battalion in sitio Kalumbrisan, barangay Dalid, Tabuelan on March 19 along with another NPA cadre, Guillermo Alburo alias Ka Jed, and soldier Rey Venturanza.

Colonel Jesse Alvarez, 78th Infantry Battalion commander, earlier said that Jerry was the secretary-general of the Front 2 of the NPA in Cebu. The NPA was reportedly set to launch attacks on military detachments and police stations. - Norvie S. Misa