Spokesperson: Locals are ‘rejoicing’ over his death

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) Leonardo Panaligan Command yesterday claimed responsibility for the recent death of a retired soldier in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

NPA spokesperson Ka JB Regalado accused Celso Pedochino, Jr. of serving as an intelligence asset for the Philippines Army 303rd Infantry Brigade, even in his retirement.

He said Pedochino was also active in recruiting civilians to spy on locals and taught counter-revolutionary ideals to the community.

The spokesperson claimed local residents are rejoicing over Pedochino’s death, pointing out, a complaint was earlier filed against the retired soldier before their revolutionary court.

Regalado said Pedochino was accused of land grabbing and taking advantage of laborers by giving them low wages with no benefits.

The retired soldier was also accused of threatening local residents, claiming he discharged his .45 caliber firearm and entered residences using the NPA’s name.

Regalado added, they confiscated a grenade, along with a mobile phone containing messages and information from the army.

Over the weekend, Pedochino was gunned down by at least 20 armed men at his home at Sitio Manggapa, Barangay Masulog in Canlaon City.

Witnesses reported the suspects were all wearing camouflage uniforms, similar to those used by active members of the armed service.

Canlaon City police chief, Police Senior Inspector Wilfredo Alarcon, noted, based on evidence gathered from the crime scene, the suspects were believed to be armed with M16 assault rifles and .45 caliber firearms./DGB, WDJ