Liquidated rebel's body exhumed in Camarines Norte

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities have exhumed the body allegedly liquidated by communist rebels in Camarines Norte, the military said on Thursday.

Col. Generoso Bolina, public information officer of the Army's Southern Luzon Command, said elements of the 49th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Michael Buhat, with Camarines Norte and Municipality of Capalonga police dug up the skeletal remains of an New People's Army member, Juanito Hirang,  at Sitio Santol, Brgy. Old Camp, Capalonga, Camarines Norte.

Buhat said the killing of the NPA rebel by his comrades in arms happened way back in July 9, 2004.  He said a former rebel, whose name was withheld, pinpointed the location.

"It has been bothering him (former rebel) conscience for years that is why he reported it to the Army. He can't bear to see his family longed for him," Buhat said.

He added that the informer was with the group of NPA rebels when Hirang was executed.

His remains was turned over to his family in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte.

Col Richard Lagrana, commander of the 902nd Brigade, said that the Army will help the family to give hm decent burial.