• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday expressed his concern over the continued killing spree by New People’s Army remnants, who recently claimed responsibility for the deaths of two civilians in northern Negros.
In separate issued statements, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command, also known as the Northern Negros Front, which has already been dismantled by the Philippine Army two years ago, announced successful operations against former kagawad Pablito Brillantes in Manapla, and Johnny Boy dela Fuente, alias Jemboy, in Toboso, whom they killed on September 3 and 4, respectively.
The rebels alleged that Brillantes and dela Fuente served as military informants.
Lacson said the rebel remnants have been active in targeting “soft targets.”
Over the past several months, more than 10 incidents of summary execution have been claimed by the NPA in Toboso, Calatrava, E.B. Magalona, and the cities of Cadiz, Victorias, and Himamaylan in Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental. Some of the cases are being investigated by the Commission on Human Rights.
“I think this is just a way of saying, we’re still around,” Lacson said, referring to the series of assassination activities carried out by rebel remnants.
Last year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines declared Negros Island in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS), following the dismantling of five NPA guerilla fronts and its Regional Security Force (RSF), and deaths of its key leaders.
Lacson said both the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police are finding ways to immediately stop the senseless killings.
The Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region yesterday assured the public that they are in close coordination with the Philippine Army for the identification and apprehension of the perpetrators.*
