• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The spate of killings has resumed in northern Negros, following the death of a farmer in a hinterland barangay of Toboso on Thursday, as the New People’s Army has also claimed responsibility for the death of a former barangay kagawad in Manapla town.
Two unidentified armed men waylaid and shot dead a farmer on September 4 in Sitio Vergara, Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso, after he was bringing his son to an elementary school in Sitio Magto-od.
The victim, alias Bemboy, 35, who was on his way home on board his motorcycle, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. He died on the spot, according to the Toboso police.
Authorities recovered an empty 5.56mm shell and five fired caliber .45 cartridges.
While the fleeing armed men were alleged to be NPA members, PLt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office- Negros Island Region, said all angles are still being considered in the investigation of the shooting incident.
On the other hand, the NPA Roselyn Jean Pelle Command claimed responsibility for the death of a former barangay kagawad on Sept. 3 at Hacienda Cabayao in Brgy. San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental.
In a statement, the rebel group accused the victim they identified as Pablo Brillantes, as an informant of the 79th Infantry Battalion, who allegedly facilitated the raid and killing of Marilyn Badayos and three other Red fighters in the barangay in Sept. 30, 2021.
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, over the past several months. Some of the cases are being investigated by the Commission on Human Rights.
The Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region yesterday assured the public that they are in close coordination with the Philippine Army in the identification and apprehension of the perpetrators.
Condemning the latest atrocities perpetrated and claimed by rebel remnants in Negros, PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said they are mobilizing all their available resources to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.*
