by Jade C. Zaldivar
The remains of a soldier who had been missing since February 6 last year were exhumed by government troops last July 23 in Barangay Pagan, Kiatotao, Bukidnon.
Staff Sergeant Wilton Pairat of the 67IB was on his way to visit his family when he was abducted and murdered by elements of the New People’s Army (NPA).
After more than a year, members of Pairat’s family reported to government troops that the NPA had contacted had asked for P30,000 in exchange for information leading to where Pairat was buried.
“Pairat’s family said] na may civilian contact yung NPA na nagdala ng [information] regarding sa location ng remains,” said Lt. Col. Krishnamurti Mortela, commander of the 67th Infantry Battalion yesterday through text message.
Acting on the information, government troops found Pairat’s remains last week.
Mortela said Pairat was last seen in Barangay Kipolot, Quezon, Bukidnon, while on his way to visit his family.
“While in the service, Sgt. Pairat was actively involved in Community-based projects to help alleviate the lives of the poor in Davao Oriental,” Mortela said.
Pairat’s death strengthen’s the commitment of soldiers to serve the welfare of the people as a way to peace, he added.
“His death sends an appeal to all well-meaning individuals and groups to condemn the indiscriminate violations of human rights and international law as perpetrated by the OCG (organized crime group) of the NPA,” Mortela said.
