Several incumbent politicians included

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A list sent over the weekend from an anonymous source named 72 individuals from Negros Occidental with alleged links with the New People’s Army (NPA). Among those named include one incumbent provincial board member, two incumbent mayors, one incumbent vice mayor, and two incumbent town councilors, all of whom are from southern Negros.

The list also includes several barangay officials, a Catholic priest, and a former town mayor.

The individuals were also identified by the type of support they provide, such as logistical or financial. Some were also identified as reportedly serving as judges on the NPA “kangaroo court.”

Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) commander, Colonel Benedict Arevalo, confirmed some of the names match with a separate list compiled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He said it is not their current objective to pursue legal charges against those on the list; however, the army official affirmed they will bring the matter to the attention of those named and will be advised not to engage with the rebel group.

They will also coordinate with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office to carry out an investigation.

“They are innocent until proven guilty,” Arevalo affirmed.

The colonel added, he will not judge the individuals on the list but said they will eventually confirm who is supporting the rebels as they are receiving their reports from former NPA rebels.

Watchmen Daily Journal has decided not to name the individuals pending reaction to the allegations./DGB, WDJ