Exhumed remains given decent burial

Relatives of the victims of the 1985 Balamban massacre whose remains were exhumed earlier by the joint police and military operatives have expressed relief after the remains of their family members were finally given decent burial.

This as the Central Command, in cooperation with the Philippine National Police, said it will be having further investigations into the massacre to find and identify the assailants.

After the nine remains were exhumed last Friday, Antonia Labajo, wife of victim Venancio Labajo, said that she is now grateful because her husband’s soul will finally be at peace.

“Nalipay ko na karon nga nabinditahan na jud. Mahimutang na ilang kalag na sa una nag lupad-lupad ra sa hangin,” Antonia said.

Venancio Labajo was a neighbor of the Anugot family who were believed to be slain by the New People’s Army in 1985. Some other visiting relatives of the Anugot family were believed to be included in the massacre when alleged rebels raided the house of the victims.

Antonia also recounted her struggle in accepting the 23 years loss of her husband.

Meanwhile, the 78th Infantry Battalion of the Central Command has cooperated with the PNP to investigate the case. It was alleged that the massacre was perpetrated by the elements of the 66th IB themselves and not by the rebels.

Maj. Christopher Tampus, information officer of Centcom told The Freeman in a phone interview that the military is open for investigation and that they are not hiding and covering their personnel.

Tampus also said they strongly believe that the NPAs were the ones who did the horrible crime. However, he said they would cooperate with the police officers to clarify the issue and settle it down.

Among the procedures that the 78th IB would be doing with the PNP is first to process the skeletons for identification through DNA testing that the officials would soon be doing.

Authorities are also hoping that with the help of the witnesses, they would be able to determine who are the assailants and find justice for the victims.

One of the witnesses is the wife of Labajo and the other is one of the Anugot’s children who was spared from death that night the rebels attacked.

The authorities also got a witness who was said to be formerly working with the NPAs and who could help in pursuing the investigation.

Tampus said they are not accusing anybody, as he expressed optimism that the military would be cleared of the crime.

“Besides, the families of the victims, the people, even the mayor of Balamban and the witnesses say that it was the NPA who did the massacre,” Tampus said. – Cressida Paula G. Delmo/WAB