• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As they try to avoid armed engagements with government forces for self-preservation, remnants of the New People’s Army are also pressing their attack against civilians they accuse as being military informants, according to the Philippine Army.
In two separate statements, the Leonardo Panaligan Command and Armando Sumayang Jr. Command of the New People’s Army claimed responsibility for the summary execution of Wilmar Amosco in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and Virginia Salmorenante in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, claimed that Amosco, a 48-year-old barangay tanod, served as part of the 62IB intelligence machinery.
The victim was killed by rebels on December 23 in Sitio Inumulan, Barangay Bucalan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
Ka Andrea Guerrero also reported the successful imposition of the death penalty on Salmorenante in Sitio Fabrica, Brgy. Camansi, Kabankalan City, on Dec. 20.
The victim and a certain Gamay Jimenez were linked by Guerrero to the death of Ericson Acosta, a consultant of the National Democratic Front, in an encounter with Army soldiers three years ago on Nov. 30, 2022 in Sitio Makilo, Brgy. Camansi, Kabankalan City.
Meanwhile, on Dec. 24, two unidentified armed men shot and killed a 55-year-old widow in Sitio Makilo, Brgy. Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
Initial investigations of the Kabankalan police showed that the victim was shot without any provocation by two armed suspects while she was sleeping with her granddaughter inside her residence.
After the gun attack, the two armed suspects escaped towards a nearby rice field.
Authorities are still validating reports that the suspects are members of the NPA.
As part of their recovery efforts, the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade reported that rebel remnants will continue to reestablish influence and control through violence and intimidation, to assert their significance in the region.*
