• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The cash reward for the elusive leader of the New People’s Army in northern Negros, who is facing multiple counts of murder, has been raised to P900,000, according to a statement issued by the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion.
Roger Fabillar, with aliases of Arnel Tapang, Jhong and Nono, a leader of the NPA remnants operating in the hinterlands of Calatrava and Toboso, eluded captivity following an encounter with 79IB troopers on April 6 in Sitio Seraje, Brgy. San Isidro, Toboso, Negros Occidental.
The encounter on Holy Thursday led to the injury of an Army soldier, while the fleeing rebels left behind war materials, including two 12-gauge homemade shotguns with ammunition, and personal belongings, at the encounter site.
Fabillar and his group are facing multiple counts of murder charges, in connection with the summary executions of Lalong Barangay chairman Benjamen Javoc, as well as Renato Estrebillo and Rodel Nobleza in Brgy. Marcelo, all in Calatrava, last year.
In a statement, Lt. Col. JJ Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed that Fabillar was also identified by witnesses, as having also killed Kagawad Benito Hubahib on February 24 in Brgy. Cambayobo, Calatrava.
Javines said the P400,000 increase in the cash reward, from its previous amount of P500,000, was offered by private individuals who are helping authorities with the immediate arrest of Fabillar.
The 79IB encouraged anybody who may provide information leading to the whereabouts of Fabillar to contact 0963-873-9989 (Smart) or 0927-339-2481 (Globe).*
