TUGUEGARAO CITY鈥擱elatives and friends hailed as a hero the policeman from this city, who was killed in a clash with New People鈥檚 Army (NPA) guerrillas in Camarines Norte last March 19.
The remains of Patrolman Joey Cuarteros were flown here last week and buried last March 27.
Four others were killed and two were wounded when ambushed by NPA guerrillas in the town of Labo, Camarines Norte.
Cuarteros鈥 widow, Jaybee, denounced the guerrillas as she pleaded for swift justice.
鈥淭hose who killed my husband, I do not know your purpose,鈥 Jaybee said.
鈥淲hy do you have to kill? For your supporters, your conscience will haunt you. You have children and families. You should think about the good of all. If there is another way, do not kill,鈥 she said in Filipino.
Relatives who joined the funeral march waved placards and banners with the messages: 鈥淧atrolman Cuarteros, our Hero鈥 and 鈥淗uwag magpalinlang, labanan ang karahasan (Don鈥檛 be deceived, fight violence),鈥 and 鈥淐PP-NPA Salot! (CPP-NPA pestilence)鈥
The Cagayan-born policeman was assigned to the first platoon of the 2nd Police Mobile Force Company at the time of his death.
He was on patrol when he and his police colleagues clashed with the guerrillas past 9 a.m.
TSB