Army Verifying NPA Claims on Killings, Arson

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Police and military officials are verifying claims made by the New People’s Army (NPA) regarding recent shootings in Toboso town and the burning of heavy equipment in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, spokesperson for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said they cannot accept NPA statements without verifying their authenticity.

“Baka gaya-gaya lang kasi,” he said, suggesting the claims may be false imitations.

Lamzon explained that NPA members typically commit crimes openly, without masks, and later release official statements through newsletters.

“In these cases, those elements are missing,” he said.

“If the NPA is truly responsible, then let them show their true colors.”

He said the 94th Infantry Battalion in central Negros and the 79th IB in northern Negros, along with nearby units under the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades, are conducting a full investigation.

Lamzon also warned that rebel groups may engage in extortion, arson or banditry after the election period to instill fear.

He doubted reinforcements are arriving from other regions, citing setbacks faced by NPA units, including the dismantling of guerrilla fronts and the neutralization of key leaders.

The Romeo Nanta Command of the NPA claimed responsibility for burning PHP9 million worth of heavy equipment at a quarry in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City on Friday night.

In a statement released Sunday, spokesperson Ka Dionesio Magbuelas said the arson was in response to a long-standing community issue involving the quarry’s impact on a river and local farmers’ livelihoods.

The group warned other companies and individuals not to violate the people’s rights and means of living for personal profit.

Police Lt. Col. Anthony Grande, chief of Himamaylan City Police Station, said five armed men identifying themselves as NPA members approached a watchman before setting fire to the equipment.

They did not harm the watchman.

Grande said the group targeted one backhoe and two dump trucks owned by a 64-year-old quarry operator.

The equipment was partially damaged.

The NPA also claimed responsibility for the killing of a laborer in a cockpit arena in the same village.

Despite the NPA’s admissions, Grande said further validation is needed to support the investigation.

The Commission on Human Rights will also launch an independent investigation into the series of killings in Negros Occidental this year.

The probe will focus on civilian deaths in Toboso, Calatrava, E.B. Magalona and Victorias City.

The NPA previously claimed responsibility for multiple killings, accusing the victims of being military assets.

These include “Dakol” in Barangay Consing, E.B. Magalona on March 11; a farmer in Barangay General Luna, Toboso on April 15; “Jury” in Barangay Tabun-ac, Toboso on May 14; “Tolendoy” in Calatrava on June 18; “Palay” and “Putot” in Barangay San Isidro, Toboso on June 22; “Isagani” in Barangay Bandila, Toboso on June 26; and “Enrique” in Barangay General Luna, Toboso on July 1.