NPA claims town officials are ‘spreading lies’

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) Leonardo Panaligan Command reiterated their position insisting they played no role in the shootings of Jerry Torga and Leonardo Villagracia in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental over the weekend, claiming town officials are spreading lies.

In a new statement released by Leonardo Panaligan Command spokesperson, Ka JB Regalado, he accused Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña of “denial” and “diversionary tactics;” adding the town’s police chief, Police Chief Inspector Joshua Villasis, voices the same tone as the mayor by “maliciously blaming” the NPA.

The rebel group spokesperson claimed the incident was perpetrated by a certain Regie Lopez, along with another individual, only identified by the alias ‘Gamay,’ both residents of La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

He claimed the motorcycle used for the shooting was owned by the town’s civil defense security team, where Lopez was a member.

Regalado also stated, because of Peña and Villasis’ statements, Torga’s family can no longer expect justice for their kin’s death.

The group claimed, in order to reveal the truth, the Revolutionary People’s Court ordered the arrest of Lopez and ‘Gamay.’

He added, the NPA are not “bloodthirsty” and said their purpose was to answer the people’s thirst for social justice, true democracy, and freedom.

Earlier, Peña denied Regalado’s accusations and stated the NPA are the ones who are carrying out murders.

He also earlier urged the Leonardo Panaligan Command to “stop their lawless activities against his townspeople.”/DGB, WDJ