By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday released a statement claiming responsibility for the killing of the Moises Padilla Civil Defense Group leader last Sunday.

In a radio interview, Leonardo Panaligan Command spokesperson Ka Ann Jacinto said the NPA Special Partisan Unit carried out the execution of 32-year-old Rusty Caramihan Caminade in the town’s Barangay Quintin Remo.

Jacinto said Caminade headed an armed group, allegedly formed by Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña, and claimed the mayor planned to use the group, who were reportedly paid by the municipal government, as private goons.

She further stated, Caminade’s group consists of 30 members and are armed with various firearms, including assault rifles, submachine guns, and high caliber pistols.

Jacinto also accused the group of engaging in criminal activity, such as robbery, murder, and rape. However, she claimed the victims did not file charges out of fear and an inability to hire a lawyer.

She also claimed Caminade’s group is responsible for the killing of Jerry Tordas last April and the indiscriminate shooting last year at a home owned by Remy Saludares.

The NPA earlier condemned law enforcement for issuing an arrest warrant against Moises Padilla Vice Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo, who is challenging the incumbent in next year’s midterm elections./DGB, WDJ