By JEN BAYLON
The 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army has denied allegations that the individuals killed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) were intelligence personnel connected to their unit.
In an official statement, 79IB commanding officer Colonel Arnel Calaoagan said the claim that the slain individuals were military assets is false.
Calaoagan explained that the CPP-NPA resorted to killing out of desperation.
Despite the victims having no involvement in any crime, the rebel group falsely claims them as military assets to sow fear and confusion, and to continue their extortion activities.
“These are all in an attempt to sow fear, create chaos and strengthen their continuous extortion activities among the poor and vulnerable,” Calaoagan said.
“We strongly condemn these senseless acts of violence that show the CPP-NPA’s utter disregard for human life, human rights and the peace that our communities strive to maintain,” he added.
Calaoagan also called on the public to support the government’s efforts and assist the military in ending the local communist armed conflict.
The 79IB assured the public of their continued service and commitment to uphold justice against those responsible for criminal acts.
This statement aims to dispel misinformation and reinforce the military’s dedication to peace and security in Negros Occidental.
Earlier, the NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle Command claimed they killed a former member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit at Barangay Tabun-ac in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town on May 14.
The NPA remnants also claimed to have executed three civilians earlier this year, whom they accused of being military spies.
Meanwhile, the 79IB has been monitoring the rebel remnants, led by alias “Arnel Tapang,” who has been the subject of focused military operations in the past several years.
Tapang’s group is being tagged as the one behind the series of killings in the hinterlands of northern Negros, particularly Calatrava town.
The military offered a P1 million reward for the arrest of Tapang./ With reports from PNA / JB, WDJ