NPA killing spree continues

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 28): NPA killing spree continues

The killing rampage of the New People’s Army continues in Isabela, Negros Occidental, after it claimed responsibility yesterday for the killing of a “habal-habal” driver accused of being a “guide” of the military.

The latest victim was identified by the Isabela police as Joemarie Saracia, 44, of Brgy. Sebucawan, Isabela.

KA JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, in a statement, alleged that Saracia served as a guide in military operations in the hinterland areas of Moises Padilla and Isabela.

Regalado further claimed that Saracia used the name of the NPA in his extortion activities, as ordered by the military, to be used in their black propaganda campaign to discredit the revolutionary movement.

Isabela police investigation showed that Saracia was on his way to attend a mass on Sunday, when he was shot by five unidentified suspects in Brgy, Sebucawan.
The victim succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal injury in the head, the police said.

Isabela policemen, who responded to the shooting incident, recovered 10 empty shells and two slugs of a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Senior Inspector Randy Babor, Isabela police officer-in-charge, said the suspects fled on board two motorcycles after taking the cellular phone and wallet of the victim.

The killing of Saracia came five days after the NPA also killed and claimed responsibility for the fatal shooting of Libas barangay chairman Rhoy Pagapang, as well as the killing of former San Agustin barangay captain Agapito Euroba, in previous weeks.

The same rebel group also claimed responsibility for separate killings of two other barangay captains, a retired Army soldier, and a body guard of a mayor, all in Guihulngan City, which is adjacent to Isabela.

The NPA also claimed responsibility for the death of Michol Ruales, an employee of the municipality of Moises Padilla, who was linked by the NPA to the killing of Jerry Turga, a leader of the Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas in the 5th district of Negros Occidental, on April 28 this year.

The killing of two Isabela barangay officials alarmed other town barangay chairmen, who asked help from the Philippine National Police to send more policemen to the town.

Antonio Mendeceles, head of the Isabela Association of Barangay Captains, had claimed that four barangay captains also received death threats.

Col. Alberto Desoyo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, disclosed that he will meet with Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, to discuss the peace and order security situation of Isabela.

If they need us, we will help, Desoyo said, in response to the possible deployment of Army in Isabela town. He explained that the maintenance of peace order in urban areas is left to the police.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/August/28/topstory4.htm