CAPIZ – The wife of Corporal Frederick Villasis, who was on non-combat duty during a community support mission when shot to death by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Lahug, Tapaz town, has demanded justice.
“I am asking for help so justice would be served. It was too brutal. What happened to him was very painful,” Shella Villasis said.
Villasis of the 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) was the leader of the Philippine Army’s (PA) left-behind force when the Community Support Program (CSP) in Barangay Lahug ended in March.
CSP is the Army’s people-centered program to bring peace and development to conflict-affected barangays. It is an initiative to bring the government closer to the people through the immediate delivery of basic services.
On Aug. 11 while on his way to the town’s municipal hall with two other village officials to follow up on development projects for the barangay, the soldier was snatched by a group of NPA rebels.
He was later fatally shot three times with his hands tied behind his back.
“You showed no mercy in killing my husband. You have no idea that we have two small children,” Shella said, directing her grief to the NPA.
The Villasis couple had an eight-year-old girl and a three-year-old son.
Shella described the 33-year-old Villasis, who entered the military service in 2012, as dedicated to his work, a caring husband and a loving father.
She said she has no idea how to explain to their children their father’s death.
At home, Villasis did not talk about the risks of his job but spent his time keeping their house spic and span and bonding with the kids, Shella said.
His last visit to his family was more than a month ago and his last phone call was on Aug. 10.
The slain soldier’s remains were brought to his parent’s house in Barangay Jaena Norte in Jamindan, Capiz on Saturday for a five-day wake upon the request of his father.
He would then be transferred to their house in Barangay Cogon, Sigma, Capiz to be buried at the municipal cemetery on a date yet to be determined. (PNA)
