‘Standing Order’ issued against Partylist Representative

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) Armando Sumayang Command yesterday claimed responsibility for the killing of former commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) Jovanie Banista, which occurred earlier this month at Sitio Ilan, Barangay Locotan, Kabankalan City.

According to NPA South West Negros Guerilla Front spokesperson Andrea Guerrero, the rebel group ruled he committed human rights violations, sold firearms to planters for the purpose of committing robberies along the Kabankalan-Ilog road, engaged in illegal drugs and illegal gambling operations in Kabankalan City, and espoused “counter-revolutionary” views.

Additionally, Guerrero said the revolutionary court issued a “standing order” against Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano; along with individuals that go by the aliases of “Malvar” and “Rustom,” said to be RPA-ABB ringleaders.

They claim “Rustom” and Banista led the RPA-ABB in the 2012 assassination of Judge Henry Arles.

Earlier this month, Banista was reportedly gunned down near his place of residence, while onboard a motorcycle.

On the same day, a 30-minute gunbattle ensued between the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force and NPA members at the boundary of Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni and Barangay Manlucahok, Sipalay City./DGB, WDJ