Army Denies NPA Claim Slain Civilians Were Military Assets

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion has strongly denied claims by the New People’s Army that civilians recently killed by the rebel group were intelligence assets linked to the military.

“These allegations are false and are clearly meant to justify the brutal killings of innocent civilians,” the Army said in an official statement.

The killings cited by the NPA occurred in the towns of E.B. Magalona and Toboso, and in Victorias City, all under the jurisdiction of the 79th IB.

The most recent case was on May 14 in Barangay Tabun-ac, Toboso, where a 54-year-old former member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was shot dead by the NPA, who accused him of being a military asset.

Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of the 79th IB, condemned the incident as a senseless act of violence that reflects the NPA’s disregard for human life, human rights and community peace.

“In their desperation, they even take credit for incidents that were not of their doing, all in an attempt to sow fear, create chaos and further their extortion activities among the poor and vulnerable,” the unit said.

The Army said the NPA is spreading false narratives and using these killings to rationalize their continued armed operations.

The 79th IB reiterated its commitment to protect civilians and uphold justice.

It also urged Filipinos to condemn these acts of violence and support the government’s efforts to end local communist armed conflict.