Family of Mayor Otaza upon seeing his body, 20 Oct 2015. FB GRAB FROM LOUIE BUSTILLO ORANDA
Alexander Padilla, government chief peace negotiator with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), on Wednesday condemned the killings of an Agusan del Sur town mayor and his son believed to be perpetrated by NPA rebels.
“We strongly condemn the killing of Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl. Mayor Otaza has been a reliable peace and development partner of the government for the welfare of his constituents, of whom 80-90% are lumads,” said Padilla in a statement.
The victims were abducted Monday night by armed men posed as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) inside the mayor’s house in Barangay Baan.
The bloodied bodies of the victims riddled by bullets were found Tuesday morning by pursuing soldiers in a coconut plantation in Butuan City.
NDF spokesman Jorge Madlos alias Oris has yet to issue a statement whether or not the NPA was behind the murders.
The military said the late 52-year-old mayor was a former rebel who surrendered many years ago and ran for elective position. He had been instrumental in the surrender of his former comrades including a good number of firearms.
Padilla said the government wants justice for the victims.
“At this point, it is important to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice,” he said.
If the NPA was behind the killings, Padilla stressed this would another game-changer in the peace process with the CPP-NPA-NDF.
“We have always called for a meaningful process with the CPP/NPA/NDF that will bring the people closer to peace. Government continues to work on this table, but any violence on the ground makes the process more difficult than it is now. We urge everyone to join our call for an end to the violence against the people,” he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/119212/govt-chief-peace-negotiator-condemns-npa-for-twin-slay-of-agusan-sur-mayor-son
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