• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Mayor John Rey Tabujara has strongly condemned the separate killings of two barangay officials who were not combatants, but innocent civilians, in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
Stressing that they were ordinary citizens, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, whose only desire was to live peacefully, serve their community and secure a better future for their families, Tabujara, in a statement said the two victims did not deserve to die at the hands of those who choose hatred and terror.
The Armando Sumayang Jr. Command of the New People’s Army earlier claimed responsibility for the recent summary executions of a barangay kagawad and a purok chairwoman that they accused as military informants, allegations which were strongly denied by the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion.
Tabujara said the Cauayan municipal government stands united with law enforcement agencies and all peace advocates in pursuing justice for these heinous crimes.
“We will not remain silent,” the mayor said, adding that “silence helps the killers – courage saves lives.”
Tabujara also rallied Cauayan residents to cooperate with authorities, report suspicious activities, share information, and stand with the government in protecting the people.
“Inaction enables injustice,” the mayor said, as he stressed that “unity is stronger than fear.”
Tabujara added that courage and cooperation can save lives and restore peace in Cauayan.*
