By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) Leonardo Panaligan Command yesterday confirmed they have carried out 28 operations against the government since February of this year.

In a press release by Central Negros Guerilla Front spokesperson Ka JB Regalado, he claimed the group has confiscated five high-power firearms, 29 short firearms, nine handheld radios, six mobile phones, and numerous units of ammunition for different types of firearms.

Regalado highlighted one of their major operations, wherein they claimed to have raided a house in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental owned by newly-elected Barangay Humay-humay Captain Mike Jacosalem on June 12, resulting in the death of a certain Lenmar Cabasag and, later, Jacosalem himself, who was receiving treatment at a hospital in Bacolod City.

The spokesperson claimed Jacosalem was involved with an illegal drug syndicate operating in Cebu and Guihulngan City.

He also said Jacosalem was involved in three alleged murders, along with allegations of cattle rustling, rape, and maintaining a private army.

The raid also yielded five firearms, comprised of four pistols and a shotgun, as well as ammunition, eight handheld radios, and three mobile phones.

In addition, the NPA claimed to have conducted two harassment operations on detachments belonging to the Civil Armed Forces Geographical Unit in Barangay Imelda, Guihulngan City and Barangay Guba, Vallehermoso, on the night of June 12.

They also carried out three “police actions” in Guihulngan City, La Castellana, and Moises Padilla.

Jacosalem’s family and the Philippine Army in Negros has yet to respond to the NPA’s claims./DGB, WDJ