Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., vowed yesterday to use all available resources to ensure justice for a soldier who was murdered by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army terrorists in Capiz Wednesday.
“The AFP will exhaust all available resources to achieve justice for our comrade and put an end to the decades-old problem of armed conflict so that our nation may enjoy genuine peace and development,” Faustino said in a statement Thursday night.
Faustino was referring to the killing of Cpl. Frederic Villasis, a member of the 12th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
Villasis and Lahug councilors Analyn Giganto and Estong Sumaria were on board two motorcycles when they were intercepted by a group of rebels in Sitio Owa.
The three were on their way to the municipal hall to follow up on a water system and other development projects.
The rebels singled out Villasis as his hands were tied and then was shot three times at the back while the two civilians were made to lie down and were later set free.
“The cold-blooded murder of Cpl. Frederic Villasis, who was deployed for CSP in the area, is a clear manifestation of the NPA’s anti-people and anti-development ways that are worthy of the Filipino’s condemnation,” Faustino added.
He also condemned this latest atrocity of the NPA, which ironically took place a day before the celebration of International Humanitarian Law Day.
“The AFP extends its condolence to the family and loved ones of Corporal Villasis who left behind a wife, and two young children,” Faustino said.
In a separate statement, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, Col. Ramon Zagala, said the incident is another addition to the communist terrorist group’s more than 1,600 violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law over the past decade.
“The NPA has resorted to atrocities, disregarding our people’s welfare and hamper development in our communities as a result of their waning mass support,” Zagala said.
He added that the AFP, through its Community Support Program, will continue to support the government in bringing peace and development in our country, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas while also conducting focused military operations to finally put an end to the armed conflict.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.*PNA
