By CESAR JOLITO

The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) said remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Island have reportedly carried out a series of targeted killings, claiming the lives of several individuals accused of acting as military informants.

“These acts of violence are part of the NPA’s continuing attempts to intimidate communities following the dismantling of key guerrilla fronts across Negros Island,” 303IBde commander Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog said in a statement.

Dumosmog said some of the victims were relatives of active NPA members.

The NPA’s Romeo Nanta Command claimed responsibility for the killings of Raul Loterio and Jomy Pelarta on November 13 and 6, respectively, at Barangays Santol, Binalbagan and Carabalan in Negros Occidental’s Himamaylan City.

Both victims were allegedly accused by the rebel group of spying for the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB).

The rebel group also claimed responsibility for the recent summary executions of a barangay councilman and a purok chairwoman in Cauayan, which allegations were strongly denied by the 15IB.

Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara condemned the killings and called for justice for the slain local officials.

Dumosmog emphasized that military operations targeting NPA remnants remain “focused and relentless,” despite the escalating threats.

The recent surge in violence follows the dismantling of five NPA guerrilla fronts in Negros Island, where nearly all top-ranking officials have been killed in gun battles with the Philippine Army since last year.

Authorities have tagged the group led by Roger Fabillar as responsible for the series of killings in upland areas of Calatrava, Toboso, Manapla, and E.B. Magalona, as well as the cities of Victorias and Cadiz.

The government has placed a bounty exceeding P1 million for his arrest, capture and conviction, as he faces multiple murder charges./CJ, WDJ