By CESAR JOLITO III

Kabankalan Mayor Benjie Miranda strongly condemned the killing of a 74-year-old woman in Barangay Tapi, calling the incident a serious setback to the city’s peace and development efforts.

In a radio interview, Miranda expressed deep sorrow over the death of Leonora Anguit, who was reportedly killed by the New People’s Army (NPA).

The mayor said the city government does not tolerate violence under any circumstance, stressing that such acts only inflict suffering on families and communities.

“Killing is never a solution. It only brings unbearable pain to the family left behind,” Miranda said, noting that he personally extended assistance to the victim’s family, including helping repair Anguit’s home following a previous armed encounter in the area.

Miranda reiterated the local government’s commitment to peace-building, emphasizing that Kabankalan remains open to assisting individuals who wish to return to the fold of the law.

He said the city does not discriminate in its efforts to achieve an insurgency-free community and lasting stability.

The mayor also raised concerns over the broader implications of the killing, particularly its potential to instill fear among residents and discourage investors.

“Incidents like this can undermine confidence. We want progress, and that requires peace, forgiveness and cooperation among our people,” Miranda said.

Earlier, the Armando Sumayang Jr. Command – NPA Southwest Negros Guerrilla Front claimed responsibility for Anguit’s killing, alleging that she served as a military informant.

The group claimed she provided information that led to an April 2025 encounter in Barangay Tapi where seven rebels were killed.

The NPA unit further admitted to the killing of five other civilians in Kabankalan City last year, whom they also accused of acting as military informants./CJ, WDJ