By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Barangay Libas Captain Roy Pagapang of Isabela, Negros Occidental was gunned down Monday morning.

According to Isabela municipal police chief, Police Senior Inspector Randy Babor, witnesses claimed four armed men wearing bonnets opened fire at the barangay official. They added, as the suspects were preparing to leave, one of the gunman fired another round into the air before fleeing the scene.

The New People’s Army (NPA) Leonardo Panaligan Command later claimed responsibility for the shooting, with spokesperson Ka JB Regalado indicating Pagapang “committed crimes against the community.”

The spokesperson claimed the barangay official was passing information regarding the rebel group’s whereabouts to Philippine Army intelligence officials, along with “atrocious acts” against the terror group.

Regalado said Pagapang was previously given the opportunity to “change his ways.”

The NPA also claimed they confiscated a 9mm pistol and a caliber .357 revolver from the slain barangay official./DGB, WDJ