By CESAR JOLITO III

The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the killing of a 64-year-old man at Barangay San Isidro in Negros Occidental’s E.B. Magalona, saying the attack was a punitive action over alleged crimes committed by the victim.

In a statement, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command said its members carried out the July 13 shooting of Jerry Solinap in Sitio Maabo in the village.

Solinap sustained three gunshot wounds after he was allegedly attacked by more than five armed men.

The NPA alleged that Solinap was responsible for the killing of a married couple in Sitio Trinity, Barangay Canlusong in the town in 2004. The rebel group also accused him of involvement in cattle rustling and other criminal activities since 2007.

The insurgent group did not present evidence to support its allegations, and authorities have yet to issue a statement on the claims.

Solinap’s killing is the latest in a series of attacks publicly claimed by the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command.

Days earlier, the same rebel unit also claimed responsibility for the July 10 fatal shooting of Jerome Seballos and Alex Cunanan in Victorias City’s Barangay Gawahon./CCJ, WDJ