NPA claims slay of ex-Army officer

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 27): NPA claims slay of ex-Army officer

The New People’s Army has issued a statement claiming responsibility for the killing of a former Army intelligence officer in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, Tuesday.

The rebel group, however, denied any involvement in the murder of retired SPO2 Angel Sinadjan in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the NPA Leonardo Panaligan Command, in a statement, linked Larry De Gracia to a murder incident in July 27 last year, among other illegal activities, including proliferation of illegal drugs.

De Gracia, a retired Army lieutenant, was shot and killed by three suspected NPA assassins, while on his way home on July 24 in Brgy. Bolado, Guihulngan City.

He succumbed to 13 gunshot wounds, investigations of the Guihulngan City police showed.

Regalado alleged that De Gracia also engaged in spying activities by reporting the activities of NPA and legal organizations of the people in Brgys. Bolado, Calamba and Basak in Guihulngan City.

He added that all units of NPA under the Leonardo Panaligan Command will punish protectors of illegal drugs, including the police and military personnel in Guihulngan.

The Roselyn Pelle Command Northern Negros Guerilla Front also issued a statement condemning the killing of Sinadjan, also a chief security officer of the Escalante City government.

Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson of the Roselyn Pelle Command, however, also said that the NPA had nothing to do with the murder of Sinadjan.

Investigations of the Escalante police showed that Sinadjan, who used to be a member of the city police force, was murdered at his residence on July 14 in Brgy. Buenavista, Escalante City.

Estrella raised the possibility that the killing of Sinadjan was politically-motivated, since the victim was a close friend of Rep. Melecio Yap (Neg. Occ., 2nd district).

Before Sinadyan’s death, Estrella further claimed that an alleged military asset and two gun-for-hire persons, were noticed by residents within the perimeter of the scene of incident.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/July/27/topstory9.htm