By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has expressed alarm over the resurgence of killings attributed to remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA), despite the military’s earlier declaration that Negros Island is in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS).

The concern comes after the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command, also known as the dismantled Northern Negros Front, claimed responsibility for the deaths of two civilians last week — former kagawad Pablito Brillantes in Manapla town on September 3 and Johnny Boy dela Fuente, alias Jemboy, in Toboso town on September 4.

The group alleged that both victims served as military informants.

“These are soft targets,” Lacson said, emphasizing that rebel remnants have been active in targeting civilians.

“I think this is just their way of saying, ‘We’re still around,’” Lacson said.

The governor pointed out that the attacks highlight a disturbing trend of summary executions by rebel remnants.

However, Lacson said both the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police are seeking ways to stop the senseless killings immediately.

Over the past several months, more than 10 similar incidents have been recorded in Toboso, Calatrava, E.B. Magalona, and the cities of Cadiz, Victorias and Himamaylan in Negros Occidental, as well as Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.

Some of these cases are under investigation by the Commission on Human Rights.

In 2024, the Armed Forces of the Philippines dismantled five NPA guerrilla fronts and its Regional Security Force on the island, neutralizing several key leaders.

This led to the SIPS declaration, which was expected to pave the way for stronger peace and development programs in Negros.

The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region assured the public that it is in close coordination with the Philippine Army to identify and apprehend those behind the attacks./CJ, WDJ