NPA admits to recent Isabela killings
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Following the recent New People’s Army (NPA) attack in Isabela, Negros Occidental, Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña yesterday revealed he issued an executive order introducing additional security measures in his municipality to combat the rebel group.
According to Municipal Executive Order No. 17, series of 2018, the mayor pointed out a need for strict security protocols to not just deter the NPA, but other lawless elements operating in the town.
Under the municipality’s Security Tagging and Random Identification System (STRIS), all ambulant vendors, transient peddlers, and roving money lenders must apply for a security tag ID from the local police.
Male individuals riding-in-tandem on a motorcycle are also prohibited in the town, except if the backrider is a female. While motorcyclists are required to follow a 20 kilometers per hour speed limit, along with removing their helmets when inside the town proper.
Local motorcycle owners are also required to submit their names, plate number, and model of their motorcycle to local police, in order to easily identify suspects should the vehicle be used for criminal activity.
Peña also assured the order would not violate existing laws, insisting it was issued to promote public safety, maintain peace and order, and prevent acts of terrorism in the municipality.
Meanwhile, the NPA Central Negros Guerilla Front claimed responsibility for the killing of a retired army and police officer at Crossing Magallon in Barangay Bulad, Isabela, last April 9.
According to spokesperson Ka JB Regalado, although they are admitting to shooting dead Jose Joerito Amable and Alejandro Borres, they denied shooting Pedirico Bitgue and wounding 10-year-old Timothy Aaron Achivar.
Regalado said Amable and Borres were “legitimate NPA targets,” claiming they approached the victims and carried out the execution, as ordered by the revolutionary court.
He accused Amable of being the “militarist tactician” for anti-community actions being carried out in the town’s Hacienda San Benito.
Regalado added, Amable was believed to be conniving with militarists in running Moises Padilla while serving as civil defense security head.
The spokesperson also accused Borres of working for Peña, adding the former cop was carrying out anti-revolutionary activities alongside Amable.
Earlier, Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he was worried the recent NPA attack could affect the resumption of peace talks./DGB, WDJ