By CESAR JOLITO III
The Philippine Army has intensified its campaign against what it calls “terroristic” activities of New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Negros Island, vowing justice for civilians targeted in a recent wave of killings allegedly perpetrated by the insurgent group.
Brigadier General Joey Escanillas, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, condemned the killings and pledged that military operations will continue until those behind the attacks are held accountable.
“We will relentlessly pursue justice for the victims and their families. No effort will be spared in bringing these criminals to justice. The rule of law will prevail,” Escanillas said in a statement.
He also warned that individuals aiding or supporting the communist-terrorist group will face legal consequences.
“We will make sure that those who support the communist terrorist group will be put behind bars. Their actions, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of soldiers, police personnel and civilians, and the burning of heavy equipment that should have been instrumental in the development of our communities, constitute grave crimes against the state and its people. These individuals must be held accountable for their crimes,” Escanillas said.
He assured the public that the military will coordinate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served, and communities are safeguarded from insurgent threats.
NPA remnants claimed responsibility for the killing of at least two individuals in recent weeks, branding them as military informants.
Among them was 59-year-old Jeremias Bianggos, who was shot dead at Barangay Imelda in Negros Oriental’s Guihulngan City on July 16.
The group earlier also claimed the killing of another alleged informant in Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town.
These incidents are part of a broader pattern of violence attributed to NPA elements in Negros.
Since March, at least 10 civilians accused of being military assets have been gunned down in Negros Occidental alone, prompting concern among human rights advocates.
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).
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has initiated a motu proprio investigation into the killings, stressing the need to protect civilians from both unlawful state and non-state actions.
CHR has reiterated its call for all armed groups to respect international humanitarian law and human rights standards, warning that targeting civilians — regardless of accusations — may constitute a war crime.
The killings mirror a troubling pattern of violence that has plagued Negros for years, with earlier incidents, such as the 2018 Sagay massacre and the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, still fresh in public memory.
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