By CESAR JOLITO III
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has strongly condemned the killing of a 74-year-old grandmother in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City, describing the incident as a case of “spy-tagging” that escalated into a summary execution allegedly carried out by New People’s Army (NPA) elements.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, February 7, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, Jr. identified the victim as Leonora “Leonor” Anguit, who was shot dead in Barangay Tapi’s Purok Halimbawa on February 4.
“These killings were even claimed by NPA units and formations. That shows intent — and a disturbing pride in targeting unarmed people. This is not a revolution. It is terror,” Torres said.
Torres said Anguit was branded a “spy” by communist insurgents — an accusation he described as a recurring tactic used to justify the killing of civilians in Negros.
“Spy-tagging is not just a label — it is a death sentence,” Torres said.
Initial reports indicate that the attackers openly identified themselves as NPA members, deliberately searched for Anguit, isolated her, and shot her at close range.
Torres said the method mirrored previous attacks attributed to the group.
“Accuse without proof, threaten without mercy, and kill without due process,” he added.
According to NTF-ELCAC, Anguit’s alleged “offense” stemmed from claims that NPA elements had previously used her property and later suffered losses during encounters with government forces.
Torres said the insurgents turned their frustration on an elderly civilian instead of taking responsibility for their actions.
He noted that Anguit’s killing fits a documented pattern of systematic “spy-tagging” and liquidation of civilians in Negros Occidental.
From early to late last year, NTF-ELCAC recorded multiple cases involving farmers, laborers, tricycle drivers, barangay officials, forest guards, vendors, and community leaders who were killed after being labeled as informants.
Among those cited were Elberto Ancero Lubon, Cirilo Llena, Efren Solinap, Jonhee Montoya, Rickne Daipal, Jury Gane, Leonardo Nepalar, Jobert Alsado, Elias Palay, Jesmar Pacunla, Isagani Imalay, Enrique Bertucio, Jonestly Vallente Sr., Jessie Tinggab, Johnny Boy dela Fuente, Jerry Emia, Joshua Rabor, Anecito Mahinay, Danny “Gamay” Francisco, Maricel Pantajo, Ariel Calumboy, Joamie Peralta, Danilo Inglatera, Emong Kantala, and Michael Robel.
The NTF-ELCAC called for coordinated action to prevent further attacks, urging the Philippine National Police to intensify manhunts and case build-up, and the Department of Justice to fast-track inquests and prosecutions involving summary executions.
It also appealed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to strengthen focused operations against armed groups conducting “liquidations,” and to local government units to activate community protection mechanisms and provide immediate security to residents under threat.
Torres also pushed for expanded access to witness protection, emergency shelter, psychosocial support, and assistance for families of victims.
“We urge citizens to report threats, harassment, or so-called ‘trials’ being conducted in communities. Silence is dangerous. Silence gives killers time,” he said./CJ, WDJ