• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Two civilians were killed in separate incidents in the hinterlands of Calatrava, Negros Occidental, with remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) claiming responsibility for the attacks.
In a statement, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command admitted responsibility for the deaths of Jemar Mahusay, 53, of Sitio Agbalatuan, Barangay Dolis, who was killed on May 5; and Gerry Baitan, 53, of Sitio Proper, Barangay Minautok, all in Calatrava town, who was slain on May 13.
The rebel group accused Baitan of being an alleged military asset, while Mahusay was linked by the group to alleged illegal activities.
Police investigations showed that Baitan and his daughter were preparing dinner inside their home when three unidentified armed men suddenly entered and shot the victim without provocation. He was rushed to the Calatrava Municipal Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The latest killings came amid setbacks suffered by rebel remnants following a series of encounters with government troops, including one that took 19 lives on April 19 in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), more than 36 civilians in northern Negros have been killed by rebel remnants from 2025 up to April this year, with the communist group allegedly claiming responsibility for many of the deaths.
Among the 19 suspected rebels killed during the April 19 encounters in Barangay Salamanca was Roger Fabillar, also known as “Jhong,” whom authorities tagged as one of the leaders behind attacks and killings of civilians in northern Negros.*
