• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Another killing of a civilian, this time in Barangay Gawahon, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, was claimed yesterday the New People’s Army.
In a statement, the dismantled Jean Pelle Command of the New People’s Army claimed responsibility for the shooting to death of Jhonhi Montoya, alias ‘Owing,’ in Sitio 5, Brgy. Gawahon, Victorias City, on April 2.
Initial police investigations indicate that the victim, a 44-year-old farmer, was shot and killed by three armed men outside the barangay hall, for no apparent reason.
Montoya was supposed to attend a settlement of land conflict and family matters at the barangay hall when the shooting incident took place.
He succumbed to gunshot injury in the head.
Authorities recovered three fired cartridges and a slug of caliber .45 pistol at the scene of the incident.
According to a statement issued by the NPA, the victim was meted the death penalty, allegedly for killing his sibling in December last year.
Almost a month ago, on March 11, the same group of rebels also claimed responsibility for the killing of a 60-year-old barangay watchman and former quarry guard in Barangay Consing, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental.
In a statement sent to the media, rebel spokesperson Ka Cecil Estrella identified the victim, known as “Dakol,” as an alleged military intelligence asset and leader of a robbery group in the village.*
