CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental: The remains of Menecio Himalao, who went missing in 1987, have been located by authorities after 34 years. Lt. Jefferson Mariano, civil military officer of the Claveria-based 58th Infantry Brigade (IB), said a former rebel disclosed the exact place where Himalao's body was dumped after communist rebels executed him in 1987. On Thursday, Himalao's skeletal remains were retrieved in the mountain village of Bulahan in Claveria. Mixed emotions were felt by family members, some of whom were expecting that Himalao was still alive. 'We were waiting for him (Himalao) for a long time with the hope that he is alive,' a teary-eyed brother told the military and the police. A police intelligence officer who joined on Thursday's search and retrieval operations confirmed that Himalao was a government 'asset' when he was killed in his 30s in 1987. Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, commanding officer the 58th IB, said Himalao's murder gave credence to reports that the communist rebels were engaged in murder and execution to perpetuate an ideology with no regard for human rights.
