Manila: The body of Hans Ponteras, a regional leader of the New People's Army (NPA), was returned to his family by the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Banago. This occurred on Wednesday, four days after Ponteras was killed during a clash with soldiers in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of the 79IB, stated that the return of Ponteras's remains is a demonstration of the Army's commitment to humanitarian values during their operations. Despite being an adversary, Calaoagan emphasized the importance of treating Ponteras as a fellow Filipino and expressed hope that this incident serves as a lesson against continuing conflict with the government.

1Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, the 79IB civil-military operations officer, mentioned that Ponteras's sister received the remains. The Philippine Army is also assisting the family with funeral arrangements and related expenses.

Ponteras, aged 48, held significant roles within the NPA as the acting regional front secretary and finance officer of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS) Regional Taxation Implementing Group. He was known for his involvement in extortion and recruitment activities in the region, often using the codename 'Armando Magbanua' of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of Negros Island.

Previously, on March 9, the 79IB facilitated the return of another NPA member's body, Marissa Pobresa, to Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City. Pobresa, 23, served as the KR-NCBS regional communications officer. Both Ponteras and Pobresa were killed in an encounter with about seven NPA rebels in Hacienda Paraiso, Barangay Caduha-an.