CPP denies ‘torturing’ four slain cops

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Thursday denied that they tortured the four police officers who were killed in an ambush staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) at Brgy. Mabato, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on July 18, 2019.

In a press statement, the CPP said the four policemen, whom they claimed to be armed adversaries of the NPA, died in a legitimate act of war, and were not tortured, contrary to the earlier claims of authorities.

The local police earlier claimed that Police Corporal Relebert Beronio, and Patrolmen Raffy Callao, Roel Cabellon, and Marquino de Leon were hogtied and executed while they were on their way to verify reports on the alleged presence of armed men at Sitio Yamot in the said village.

The slain policemen, who were intelligence operatives of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion    -7 (RMFB) -7, were allegedly shot while on their knees.

Their service firearms and other personal belongings are also missing.

The CPP said the authorities are making up stories in an attempt to gain public sympathy.

“The NPA strictly prohibits the use of torture. It even prohibits lifting a finger against its captives or prisoners,” the group said.

The policies of the NPA are much unlike the cruel war of President Rodrigo Duterte that targets civilians with extreme brutality, they said.

About 20 armed men were criminally charged for the killing. The person who asked helped from the slain police officers was also arrested.