Rebel’s remains were not mutilated – board

DAVAO CITY – The Board of Inquiry of the 10th Infantry Division has ruled out mutilation of the body of Noel Gulmatico, also known as Jepoy, whose face was found distorted after falling incombat last July 1. According to the board, the wounds on the head of the slain rebel “was caused by a gunshot.” The SOCO report further stated that Gulmatico’s two eyes were “blown-up” and that his tongue and jaw were badly damaged due to the impact or shock wave inflicted by the bullet. “The bullet that hit alias Jepoy entered near the left eye, exited on the jaw and re-entered the chest,” a statement by the 10th ID said. A photo of Gumatico, reportedly the commanding officer of the SYP platoon of Guerilla Front 53 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), made the rounds online of social media that sparked outrage in the leftist community. (Yas D. Ocampo)