Rebels claim killings of 2 civilians, policeman

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 14, 2023): Rebels claim killings of 2 civilians, policeman (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the New People’s Army has issued a statement claiming responsibility for the summary execution of two civilians they accused as military spies, and the ambush of local policemen who responded to the incident on August 9 in Brgy. Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

In a statement, rebel spokesperson Cecille Estrella justified the killing of Felix Resotay Sr. and his nephew, Eliseo Mahilum, who were charged with the crime of espionage and meted the death penalty by the People’s Revolutionary Court, in Sitio Batyogon, Brgy. Minapasuk, Calatrava.

Estrella said that the death verdict was promulgated two years ago, after a fair and impartial trial, but enforced only recently to give them ample time to mend their ways and cease their anti-people counterrevolutionary activities.

The rebel spokesman further claimed that two were active intelligence assets of the military, allegations which were strongly denied by family members of the victims.

Estrella further alleged that both victims served as guides in combat operations, and provided reconnaissance on suspected NPA encampments, as well as surveillance on civilians arbitrarily accused as NPA members or sympathizers.

Both the Philippine Army and National Police have strongly condemned the barbaric acts of the NPA.

Estrella also reported that the NPA recovered four assault rifles and a caliber .45 pistol from the police they ambushed, and admitted of using command detonated explosive, that also resulted in the killing of PCpl. Jaime Nuñez, a member of the Calatrava Police Station, and injured two others.*

https://visayandailystar.com/rebels-claim-killings-of-2-civilians-policeman/