• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has strongly condemned remnants of the New People’s Army in Negros for the brutal murder of 28 innocent civilians, from March 2025 up to February 3 this year.
“Terror, no ideology”, the 3ID described the series of killings perpetrated and claimed by the NPA in press statements it issued.
In a statement, the 3ID led by Maj. Gen. Michael Samson called on the Commission on Human Rights and all human rights advocates to look into these crimes, investigate thoroughly, and help the victims achieve rightful justice. The perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice, Samson said, stressing that the spare of killings are not isolated incidents but a systematic attack on the dignity and safety of ordinary citizens.
The latest victim was Leonara Anguit, 74, whose death was claimed by the NPA Armando Sumayang Jr. Command.
All of the victims were accused as military spies.
The victims of these killings are not combatants. They are ordinary citizens, including farmers, peasants, and elders, whose only crime was choosing peace over violence, Samson said.
Data gathered by 3ID indicated that an average of two people have been killed each month.
While they claim to fight for social justice, their actions reveal a group desperate to maintain relevance through bloodshed, Samson further said.*
