By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A barangay tanod was reportedly gunned down late Tuesday afternoon by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels at Sitio Camandag in Barangay Carol-an, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Police identified the fatality as 40-year-old Cornilio Morales, a resident of the said barangay.

Investigations by Kabankalan City police found Morales, along with his daughter and several locals, were at a waiting shed when they were approached by five unidentified gunmen.

The suspects then allegedly grabbed Morales and ordered the others to lie down on the ground. The gunmen then fired several shots at Morales, killing him on the spot.

In a separate report by the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion, witnesses recognized the gunmen as members of the NPA after they were shown several pictures.

A witness also came forward claiming one of the gunmen allegedly stated, “We apologize, we are just following orders,” before shooting Morales.

Police are now investigating the incident, while the army urged local residents to immediately contact them if they have information regarding the rebels’ whereabouts./DGB, WDJ