By CESAR JOLITO III
Another wave of civilian killings has rocked Negros Island as the New People’s Army (NPA) has openly claimed responsibility for the deaths of two individuals accused of being military informants.
In a recent statement, the NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle Command admitted to the killing of 58-year-old Jonesly Vallente, Sr. at Barangay Minapasuk in Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town on July 11.
According to Calatrava police, Vallente was ambushed by six unidentified armed men while on his way to his farm in Sitio Harvey.
He died at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities recovered spent shells from an M16 rifle and a .45 caliber pistol at the site.
Vallente, a former member of the defunct Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB), was allegedly a military asset of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion.
The NPA linked him to a previous murder case in Cadiz City.
Five days later, the NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command claimed responsibility for killing 59-year-old Jeremias Bianggos at Barangay Imelda in Negros Oriental’s Guihulngan City.
Bianggos, a barangay watchman in Sitio Libas, was similarly branded as a military spy, an intelligence asset for government troops operating in the area.
Police reports earlier confirmed that the victim was shot dead inside his home by unidentified gunmen.
In a statement issued on July 21, the Leonardo Panaligan Command alleged that Bianggos was also targeted due to his alleged involvement in an incestuous rape case.
The NPA called the attack part of its so-called “revolutionary justice” to protect local communities from what they claim are threats or abuses.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the accusations made by the rebel group against Bianggos.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In previous press statements, the NPA’s local commands have claimed responsibility for a number of killings between March and July in Negros Occidental, including those of Efren Solinap (in E.B. Magalona town); Rickne Daipal, Jury Gani, Elias Palay, Putot Alsado, Isagani Imalay, and Enrique Virtucio (Toboso town); Tolindoy Nepalar (Calatrava); and Jesmer Pacunla (Himamaylan City).
Earlier, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) initiated a motu proprio investigation in response to the string of killings in Negros.
The CHR noted that at least 10 civilians accused by the NPA of being military informants have been killed in Negros Occidental since March of this year.
Human rights advocates and local officials have repeatedly warned against extrajudicial executions and the targeting of civilians in conflict areas.
Authorities have yet to arrest any suspects in the recent incidents.
The military and police have condemned the NPA’s actions, branding them as terroristic attacks on non-combatants and renewed their call for the public to help put an end to the violence./CJ, WDJ