By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command–New People’s Army has claimed responsibility for the killing of a 60-year-old barangay watchman and former quarry guard in Barangay Consing, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, on March 11.
In a statement sent to media on Monday, nearly three weeks after the incident, rebel spokesperson Ka Cecil Estrella identified the victim, known as “Dakol,” as an alleged military intelligence asset and leader of a robbery group in the village.
Estrella said the victim had been given time to reform but remained an “anti-revolutionary.”
“We meted revolutionary justice,” the group said.
The NPA also accused the victim of acting as a military guide during operations, spying on civilians, and harassing those suspected of links to the revolutionary movement.
He was also allegedly involved in a holdup-slay incident, including the killing of a lending collector in the village in August last year.
“The punishment is a clear and firm reminder to those who intend to bring harm to the well-being of the people that they will be held accountable,” the statement said.
Police reported that the victim and a companion were clearing drainage in a sugarcane field when three unidentified suspects emerged and shot him.
Meanwhile, 1st Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil military officer of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, said such statements are typical NPA propaganda meant to justify their terroristic acts and disregard for the law.
“Why would we deny it if they are indeed informants who die in the performance of their duty?” Samoza said, adding that the Army takes responsibility for its informants.
Samoza said they do not need assets because civilians openly provide information, showing their frustration with the NPA’s atrocities.
He added that the Army has strong, reliable intelligence personnel and effective collaboration with other government intelligence networks.
He said Dakol was merely a victim of the NPA, whose goal was to instill fear in communities they aim to regain.
