NPA denies role in Moises Padilla killing

Posted by watchmen
May 2, 2018
Posted in HEADLINE

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

 

The New People’s Army’s Leonardo Panaligan Command denied playing a role in the recent killing of 56-year-old Jerry Torga, a resident of Moises Padilla.

In a statement issued by spokesperson Ka JB Regalado, he claimed Torga and another resident, identified as 34-year-old Leonardo Villagracia, were victims of extra judicial killings and accused Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña and the Armed Forces of the Philippines of being behind the incident.

Regalado said the shooting occurred despite an executive order signed by Peña that required the registration of all motorcycles and the active implementation of checkpoints.

He further claimed the mayor, military, and Moises Padilla municipal police are responsible for the circulation of pictures depicting the leaders of the various progressive groups.

He called it a “desperate” attempt to tag progressive group leaders as “terrorists.”

Regalado also claimed Torga is a member of a progressive group based in Moises Padilla and believes he may have been killed because of his advocacy for land reform, worker’s rights, and human rights.

In response to Regalado’s accusations, Peña, in a radio report yesterday, denied the allegations and stated the NPA are the ones carrying out murders.

Peña earlier urged the Leonardo Panaligan Command to “stop their lawless activities against his townspeople.”

He added, the NPA’s actions is sowing terror and fear among town’s residents and, if they are serious with the ongoing peace talks, they should immediately halt their “bloodthirsty” activities./DGB, WDJ

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