Former rebel files raps versus NPA comrades in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): Former rebel files raps versus NPA comrades in Negros Oriental

A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) – the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – has filed charges against his former comrades in the rebel movement in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Oliver Villahermosa, a former active NPA member who surrendered in Barangay Tacpao, Guihulngan City, has filed charges of grave coercion and robbery against the following persons, namely, Enric Calago, Rosalie Calago, Elizabeth Grayan and Felisa Calago, together with six other fully armed men believed to be members of the NPA-SYP, a media release from the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army said.

The 11th IB, who aided in the filing of the complaints, said the respondents allegedly forcibly entered the house of Villahermosa last February 16 at 8 o'clock in the evening and the group threatened him. Furthermore, the group allegedly declared a locally known “Barangay Arrest System”, prohibitig Villahermosa from staying within Negros Island for three years, which took effect 24 hours after declaring the punishment.

The NPA also allegedly wanted to punish Villahermosa for surrendering to the Bayanihan Team of the Philippine Army and for availing of local incentives from the provincial government of Negros Oriental, said Capt. Danilo B. Mutoc, acting Civil Military Operations Officer of the 11th IB, in the media release.

In his complaint, Villahermosa further alleged that “the group also prevented him from receiving the cash incentive which is due for release for it will create demoralization among NPA ranks in the hinterland barangays”.

The group also allegedly took two cellular phones from the victim.

The complaints were filed at the Guihulngan City Police for the subsequent filing of appropriate cases at the prosecutor’s office.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=625212