The Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army (NPA), the entire revolutionary movement and the masses saluted and gave recognition to the 10 Party cadres and fighters of the people’s army who were martyred in a series of encounters during the first and second week of August in Lambunao and Calinog in Iloilo.

The martyred revolutionaries came from different generations of workers, peasants and student youth. The martyrs were identified as Benjamin Cortel (Mamang/Ruby) who died in Barangay Aglonok on August 5, Jose Jerry Takaisan (Miller) who was martyred in Barangay Cabatangan on August 7 and Romulo Ituriaga Gangoso (Pedik/Regan), Armando Rogelio Sabares (Nene/Kulot), Aurelio “Boy” Bosque (Rio/Zarko/Baijan), Jovelyn Silverio (Akay/Purang), and Jielmor Gauranoc (Tango/Doc) who perished in Barangay Aglonok on August 8.

Successive battles took place in the borders of Janiuay, Lambunao and Calinog in Iloilo, Valderama in Antique and Libacao in Aklan. These areas have long been subjected to focused military operations saturated by hordes of CAFGU, police, and military forces of the 12th IB, 82nd IB, 61st IB and DRC under the 3rd ID.

Meanwhile, the identity of three other martyrs announced by the AFP are still being confirmed, namely Vicente Hinojales (Ka Emil), secretary of the regional committee of the Party in Panay and member of the Central Committee; Concepcion Araneta-Bocala (Ka Concha), consultant in peace talks; and Rewilmar Torrato (Ka Vivian).

Stab wounds and bruises on the body and bound feet of some remains recovered by the families strongly suggest that some of victims were captured and tortured while in military custody.

The soldiers terrorized and even tried to prevent relatives from retrieving the remains of their loved ones. The families are being offered “financial support” in exchange for not filing charges.