A unit of the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the New People’s Army (RJPC-NPA) has claimed responsibility for the death of a 63-year-old farmer at Barangay Minapasok in Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town on Wednesday, June 18.

The victim, identified as Tolindoy Nepalar, was pronounced dead following the incident.

RJPC, in a statement released on Thursday, June 19, said Nepalar was accused of being an intelligence asset of the 79th Infantry Battalion and allegedly acted as a hitman for the military.

The NPA unit further alleged that the victim led a group of hired gunmen in the area and was involved in the illegal sale of shabu within the town.

An initial police investigation by Calatrava police revealed that Nepalar was outside his home with his brother when four armed men arrived and opened fire on him.

The police are continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and its possible links to the NPA.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the NPA’s claim.

Goons?

Meanwhile, Calatrava Mayor Marilyn Era strongly denied the claims that Nepalar was one of her “goons,” calling the accusation “a complete lie and has no basis.”

Era expressed condolences to the family of Nepalar, who was recently killed in “a brutal and senseless attack.”

“I want to make it clear: I do not have the financial capacity to keep or maintain ‘goons,’ nor do I need to. Since I began serving Calatrava in 2007, the people know I have never operated that way,” Era said in a statement.

“I have served this town honestly, despite attempts to destroy my name. I have remained sincere in my work and my relationship with the people,” she said.

The 73-year-old mayor added that she only has the proper security escorts as mandated by law.

“I appeal to everyone: Let us not believe or spread unverified and baseless news,” Era said./JB, WDJ