Private First Class Ariel Guinsod Maca was killed in an ambush by a unit of the New People’s Army in Surigao del Sur, Ka Sandara Sidlakan, spokesperson of the said unit confirmed in a statement. Maca belongs to the 36th IB and is assigned as the cadreman or handler of paramilitary groups in the area.

The ambush took place last October 2 at Barangay Pakwan in Lanuza town. Red fighters seized a caliber .45 pistol, cellular phone, wristwatch and money worth P30,000. “[His personal belongings] will be returned to his immediate family,” Sidlakan said.

Sidlakan belied claims that Maca was tortured and his eyes gouged, as reported by AFP media releases. “The NPA strictly adheres to international laws on the respect and proper treatment of the dead,” she said.

Maca’s unit has been forcing Lumad residents to “surrender” as members of the NPA and enlist to the CAFGU. Maca led gambling activities and proliferation of pornography in the area.

His unit was stationed in a CAFGU detachment and tasked to secure the resumed operations of logging company SUDECOR.