Bones of NPA official killed in Conner, Apayao in 1991 exhumed after 34 years, to be given decent burial by family

Conner, Apayao – After more than three decades, the remains of a former New People’s Army (NPA) official killed in an armed encounter in 1991 were exhumed in Conner, Apayao, to be given a proper and decent burial by his family.

The 98th Infantry (Masinag) Battalion reported that government troops, together with community members, unearthed the remains of Ronie Baligod, also known as Ka Baron, on October 18 in Barangay Guina-ang, Conner.

According to the unit, Ka Baron served as the Battalion Commander of the 1st National Battalion of the NPA, a group that operated in the mountainous areas of the Cordillera, particularly in Apayao. He was killed during an armed encounter between government forces and his group in February 1991 in Barangay Guina-ang.

Residents in the area at that time buried the bodies of Ka Baron and one of his comrades, while two other wounded rebels were reportedly helped by the locals.

Thirty-four years later, Ka Baron’s wife and child—who once served as the medical officer of the same NPA battalion—reached out to the military to seek assistance in locating and exhuming his remains.

On October 18, troops, together with barangay officials and residents, successfully recovered the bones and personal belongings of Ka Baron. The discovery was made possible through the cooperation of community members who pointed out the exact burial site. His wife later confirmed that the remains belonged to the slain NPA leader based on his personal effects found underground.

The family has since brought the remains home to Barangay Centro, Sto. Niño, Cagayan, where Ka Baron will be given a proper burial. The 98th Infantry Battalion noted that the family expressed gratitude to the authorities, saying they can now find peace knowing that their loved one has been given a decent interment.