Former student leader confirmed killed in Northern Samar clash

TACLOBAN CITY – The 8th Infantry Division has confirmed that former Bayan-Eastern Visayas Regional Secretary General Musico Sagdullas was one of the fatalities in a clash between the 43rd Infantry Battalion and alleged members of the New People’s Army in the hinterlands of Barangay Mabini, Catarman, Northern Samar on Sunday, May 28.

SAGDULLAS

Sagdullas, along with three other NPA cadres, was airlifted for identification and turnover to the 803rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman.

Alias “Kurati,” a former rebel who operated in the area, positively identified Sagdullas, alias “Miyong” and “Martin,” as the Secretary General of Bayan Eastern Visayas and former chair of the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban Campus (UPVTC) College Student Council.

In May 2020, the Army 20th Infantry Division tagged Sagdullas to have joined the “Pulang Mandirigma” or Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT).

The 20th IB alleged that he was responsible for organizing students at the University of Eastern Philippines in Catarman, front organizations, and anti-government rallies.

The Army claimed that Sagdullas served as an NPA political instructor for almost a year.

Kurati also identified the three other fatalities as Geraldine Teopinto, alias “Luz,” their finance officer; Abigail Padula Baselga, alias “Moana,” medical officer; and Vicente Termo.

Authorities seized two M16 rifles, two calibers .45 pistols, magazines loaded with ammunition, and other personal belongings during the encounter.

“Another life has been lost in the war against the senseless ideology of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG). Let us put an end to this way of life of constant struggle and fear,” said 8th ID commander Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo.

He added that their doors are still open for those who want to surrender and live a better and more peaceful life. — Marie Tonette M. Marticio

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