12/08/2026
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On the allegations preventing families from bringing home deceased NPA members.
Let me be clear: the 5th Infantry (STAR) Division is not preventing any family from identifying or claiming the remains of their loved one. We fully recognize the right of families to seek closure, and we remain committed to treating every deceased person with dignity and respect, regardless of affiliation.
However, we also have a responsibility to ensure that persons seeking access are properly identified and that those claiming to represent the family can establish their relationship or authorization through the appropriate authorities. This is not intended to deny humanitarian access. It protects the dignity of the deceased and ensures that the remains are properly identified and eventually released to the rightful family or their duly authorized representative.
We welcome the assistance of CHRA and other humanitarian and human rights organizations. We only ask that the proper identification and authorization requirements be presented and coordinated with the Philippine National Police and other authorities responsible for the remains. Once these are properly established, the 5ID stands ready to facilitate the appropriate coordination.
The dead are not trophies, and we will never treat them as such. Our actions will continue to be guided by human dignity, International Humanitarian Law, and the rule of law. Our objective is simple: properly identify the deceased and, ultimately, bring them home to their family with the dignity and respect they deserve.
MGEN GULLIVER L SEΓIRES PA
Commander, 5th Infantry (STAR) Division, Philippine Army