On 29/7, the Da Nang City Military Command organized a conference to clarify information about 17 sets of suspected martyrs' remains found 32 years ago. The conference was attended by representatives from the Party Committee, People's Committee, and Military Command of Hiep Duc commune, along with 2 direct witnesses: Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Hai and Mr. Dang Ngoc Nga.

Overview of the survey conference, gathering witness testimonies. Photo: Quang Cuong

According to witness accounts, in 1994, during the ground leveling for the construction of the former Hiep Duc District Cultural House, the construction unit discovered a mass grave containing 17 sets of human remains. Numerous artifacts were also recovered at the scene, including clothing, rubber sandals, shoes, and military equipment such as ak rifles and m79 grenade launchers.

At that time, the Hiep Duc District Military Command sent officers to inspect and verify the site. However, due to insufficient evidence for an official conclusion, the remains were not immediately reburied in a martyrs' cemetery as per regulations.

Subsequently, all 17 sets of remains were supported by Mr. Vo Dinh The, a businessman from TP HCM originally from Duy Tan commune, Da Nang City, to be moved and buried at the foot of Tran hill, An Dong hamlet, Hiep Duc commune. In 2019, these remains were again moved to the Go Cao area (Thu Bon commune) for the construction of graves and an altar.

Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Hai, a witness providing information. Photo: Quang Cuong

Concluding the conference, Colonel Do Nguyen Hoai requested specialized agencies to urgently review and cross-reference all related records and documents. Additionally, military forces must coordinate closely with local party committees, authorities, witnesses, and relevant units to meticulously verify the origin, ensuring no valuable information is overlooked. The collected results will serve as a crucial basis for the unit to advise on organizing a workshop and completing reburial procedures in accordance with regulations.

A specialized workshop is scheduled for 5/8, to be organized by the Hiep Duc Commune People's Committee. This workshop will invite additional relevant witnesses to provide further information and documents to clarify the origin of the 17 sets of remains. The aim is to promptly address the aspirations of the martyrs' families and the local community.

Nguyen Dong