Government troops conducting pursuit operations in the mountainous areas of Hinabangan, Samar discovered the decomposing body of a suspected communist rebel several days after a brief armed encounter with insurgents.
Soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 63rd Infantry “Innovator” Battalion located the remains on March 14 in the remote area between Barangays Cabalagnan and Tabay while tracking members of the New People’s Army (NPA) believed to have fled the clash earlier in the day.
Initial identification of the body was made through personal belongings recovered near the site.
Former rebels assisting authorities indicated that the remains likely belong to Lupito Bucatcat, also known by the alias “Hunio,” who was reportedly serving as secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
Military officials said Bucatcat had an outstanding warrant of arrest for multiple murder cases issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 30 in Basey, Samar.
Authorities also linked him to insurgent operations carried out by remnants of the guerrilla group operating in the central mountain ranges of the province.
The discovery followed a short firefight between government troops and two suspected members of the rebel unit.
According to earlier reports from the Philippine Army, similar encounters in the area have involved exchanges of gunfire lasting only a few minutes but resulting in casualties and the seizure of weapons such as M16 rifles and ammunition.
Hinabangan, a mountainous municipality in Samar province, has long been considered part of the operational area of insurgent groups due to its rugged terrain and forest cover, which provide natural hiding places for armed fighters.
Following the discovery, the remains were turned over to the Hinabangan Municipal Police Station for documentation, forensic examination, and proper disposition in accordance with legal procedures.
Authorities said further identification will depend on official verification and coordination with the deceased’s relatives.
The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division commended the troops involved in the operation and said pursuit efforts remain ongoing to locate other members of the group believed to have escaped during the clash.
Military officials also reiterated calls for remaining insurgents to surrender and take advantage of government reintegration and amnesty programs designed to help former rebels return to civilian life.
Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities as security forces continue operations aimed at preventing further violence in the rural communities of Samar.
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