NPA mass grave found in remote Abra village

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines - – Government troops discovered what could possibly be a mass grave of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote Abra village last Friday, according to an Army report.

The Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division said soldiers of the 41st Infantry Battalion, along with the police, village officials and civilians, found the mass grave in Sitio Sucao, Barangay Dominglay in Licuan-Baay town.

The discovery came barely a week after the reported sighting of 15 NPA guerrillas in the remote mountain community and the disappearance of three villagers.

The missing villagers were later identified as Freddie Giliw, 30, a former NPA rebel who surrendered to authorities on March 23, 2011, and his father and brother.   

The Army said the remains of the Giliws were found in the grave. They are believed to have been executed by the rebels “for betraying the communist movement.” 

“This is what the (NPA) is all about – to deny freedom to those who chooses to get out of their movement and join the mainstream of society,” said Lt. Colonel Danilo Domingo, 41st IB chief.