NPA admits to Negros’ village head killing
BACOLOD City: The New People’s Army (NPA)-Leonardo Panaligan Command admitted to the killing of a village chief in Isabela, Negros Occidental on Monday over his alleged “crimes against the masses.”
In statement released to the media late on Monday night, the NPA local command in Negros said Rhoy Pagapang of Barangay Libas was targeted for “being an agent of the military” and for his “crimes against the masses.”
Senior Insp. Randy Babor, Isabela police chief, said Pagapang was on his way to the town proper when he received a text message saying someone wanted to meet him at the neighboring Barangay Cabcab.
“The victim immediately boarded his motorcycle and proceeded to Cabcab. A few minutes later, witnesses heard shots,” Babor said.
Pagapang died from multiple gunshot wounds in the body.
Witnesses said at least four suspects wearing face masks fired at the victim.
The local NPA command also claimed responsibility over at least six killings, including that of three village heads, in central Negros. Among these are the murder of former village chairman Agapito Euroba of Barangay San Agustin, Isabela; barangay chairman Virgilio Masicampo Jr. of Nagsaha in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental; barangay chairman Mike Jakosalem of Humay-Humay also in Guihulngan City; his nephew Lenmar Cabasag and Policarpio Bulado, a bodyguard of Guihulngan City Mayor Guido Reyes.
Last month, the group also owned up to the murder on July 24 of retired Philippine Army soldier Larry de Gracia in Barangay Bolado, Guihulngan City.
In a statement released after the killing, its spokesman Ka JB Regalado said De Gracia was meted the “death penalty” by the People’s Revolutionary Court for several crimes.
The rebels accused De Gracia of red-tagging some civilians in at least three villages in Guihulngan City and his involvement in the illegal drugs trade.
But the Guihulngan chief of police belied the accusation saying De Gracia was not involved in the illegal drug trade and his name has not appeared in any police record on illegal drugs.
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