NegOcc town residents tag CPP-NPA as ‘inhumane, unjust’

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28, 2021): NegOcc town residents tag CPP-NPA as ‘inhumane, unjust’ (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

CONDEMNATION. Placards calling for a stop to the killings, harassments, extortion, and deception of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army are carried by residents of E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, who attended the burial of Barangay Consing watchman Elmer Ortencio in Victorias City on April 25, 2021. Ortencio was abducted and killed by communist terrorists on April 13, the same day they torched about PHP17 million worth of heavy equipment being used for quarry operations. (Photo courtesy of 79th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

Residents of Barangay Consing and other groups in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental have denounced the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for the death of a village watchman, the military reported on Wednesday.

During the burial of Elmer Ortencio, 45, at a public cemetery in neighboring Barangay XIV, Victorias City on April 25, the attendees led by family members and barangay officials, held a condemnation rally, carrying placards calling for a stop to the killings, harassments, extortion, and deception of the communist-terrorist group.

They condemned the “inhumane and unjust act” of the CPP-NPA over the abduction of Ortencip in Hacienda Margarita at around 3 p.m. on April 13.

More than two hours later, his body was found in a bamboo plantation. He sustained a gunshot wound in the head.

In the morning of the same day, the rebels also torched about PHP17 million worth of heavy equipment being used for quarry operations in the village.

Days later, the NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle Command issued a statement, admitting responsibility in the death of Ortencio, accusing him of being an active agent of the Army’s 7th Intelligence and Security Unit, who possessed several mission orders.

In a statement, Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town, acknowledged the active participation of the locals in the government’s thrust of restoring peace and bringing development to their community.

“They are already aware of the deceptive tactics of the CPP-NPA. They already know who to trust and collaborate with to attain their aspirations in life. Their all-out support indicates that they strongly condemn the hostilities perpetrated by the communist-terrorist groups,” he added.

Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran, commanding officer of 79th Infantry Battalion with headquarters in Sagay City, threw his support to the move of the village residents in condemning the atrocities of the communist terrorists.

“This incident is another wake-up call to Negrenses to shun whatever support they give to the CPP-NPA. Let us join hands and continue to unmask their true character and finally put an end to their abuses and violence,” he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1138298