• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Commission on Human Rights – Negros Island Region (CHR-NIR) will start a probe on a series of killings that have claimed the lives of seven civilians, perpetrated and claimed by the New People’s Army in northern Negros.
Vincent Parra, CHR-NIR Investigations Division chief, disclosed on Thursday that their motu proprio investigations are set to commence this week.
In separate issued statements, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command (RJSC) claimed the killings of Isagani Imalay and Juri Gani in Barangay Bandila, Elias Palay and Putot Alsado in Brgy. San Isidro, and alias Enrique in Brgy. General Luna, all in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) joined the Philippine Army in strongly condemning the series of killings perpetrated by rebel remnants.
Despite the incidents that it claims are isolated, the NOCPPO said it remains in full control of the peace and order situation in the province. “We will not allow terror and violence to define our communities,” stressed P/Col. Rainerio de Chavez, provincial police director of Negros Occidental.
Mayor Richard Jaojoco reported yesterday that suspected NPA rebels had, within a span of one week in Toboso alone, killed four civilians who were accused as intelligence assets of the Philippine Army.
Rebel assassins also killed former rebel Leonardo Nepalar, alias Tolendoy, at Spur 2 in Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava, on June 17.
The RJSC has also claimed responsibility for the killing of three other civilians in Victorias City and E.B. Magalona in the previous months.
On the other hand, The Leonardo Panaligan Command also issued a statement claiming responsibility for the killing of Ronald Jacolbe on June 22 in Sitio Sumilang, Brgy. Tacpao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
Parra said they will investigate the killings of the seven civilians whose deaths were linked to the NPA.
Jaojojo said he is coordinating with the Philippine Army and National Police on how to come up with a long term and sustainable solution to the spate of killings in Toboso.
De Chavez said their admissions of heinous acts are desperate attempts by the local terrorist group to gain attention from the government, sow fear among innocent civilians, and reassert their presence in areas where they have already suffered tremendous losses.
By targeting communities through intimidation and violence, they seek to revive their extortion schemes and disrupt the lives of peaceful residents, he added.
De Chavez also assured the public that intensified investigations are ongoing to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the cowardly attacks.
NOCPPO, in collaboration with our AFP counterparts and local government units, is strengthening its counter-insurgency operations, enhancing intelligence efforts, and deploying more personnel in affected areas, he added.
De Chavez also urged all residents to stand against violence, stop supporting these lawless elements, and report any sightings or suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Your cooperation is vital in ensuring that these threats are neutralized swiftly, he added.*
