ILOILO City – In the wake of a deadly encounter in Barangay Aglonok, Calinog, Iloilo last week, Bryan Bosque has openly expressed pride in being the son of a New People’s Army (NPA) member.
His father, Aurelio Berjes Bosque, 57, was a long-time member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) on Panay Island and formerly served as a spokesperson for Bayan Muna-Panay.
Bryan, the eldest son and a former Bayan Muna-Panay spokesperson himself, shared that his father was killed between August 7 and August 8, 2024, during an alleged clash between the NPA and the Philippine Army.
The incident sent shockwaves through their family.
“We ask for your understanding and solidarity in these difficult times. We are proud of Boy Bosque as a father who fought for the rights of the workers and the community until his last breath,” Bryan posted on his Facebook account.
Bryan, who personally identified his father’s body, noted multiple wounds, revealing the violent nature of the encounter.
Despite distancing himself from active participation in any activist or militant groups for over a year, he retains a strong respect for his father’s choices.
“Though unexpected, we are not entirely surprised, as activism and taking up arms with the NPA is not unheard of,” he told Aksyon Radyo Iloilo.
Bryan further said there were no clear signs of his father’s involvement with the NPA post his resignation from Bayan Muna, as Aurelio had claimed to move to Metro Manila for work and rarely spoke of his activities when visiting home.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy and the motives behind such drastic actions, Bryan voiced pride in those who take up arms in response to perceived injustices and government inaction, regarding them as martyrs fighting for the greater good.
Boy Bosque was among four alleged NPA members killed in the Calinog encounter. The others identified were Jovelyn Silverio from Antique, Armando Rogelio Sabares from Iloilo and known for his bomb-making skills, and Rumulo Ituriaga Gangoso from Capiz, a former front commander reassigned due to health issues./PN
