‘Force multiplier’ shot dead

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Police do not discount the possibility that the killing of a force multiplier in Cauayan, Negros Occidental last Thursday might be insurgency-related.

Jimmy Calibjo, 53, of Barangay Poblacion, was watching television inside his house when an unidentified armed person shot him twice while shouting “wala sang may mana-og, New People’s Army (NPA) kami.”

The incident was witnessed by his wife and daughter, according to Grande.

Police Major Anthony Grande, town police chief, said the gunman, along with his three companions who reportedly served as lookouts, then shouted “may balikon pa kami,” while fleeing from the scene.

The victim succumbed to gunshot wounds in the back and chest.

Police recovered from the scene empty shells of a .45 caliber pistol.

Despite introducing themselves as NPA, Grande said they could not yet confirm that the perpetrators may have links with the rebel group.

“Basi amo lang na pagpakilala nila,” he added.

Grande said they are also looking into grudges or work-related as possible motives behind the incident.

“Basi may naka-away man siya or may kaakig sa iya,” he added.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) here condemned in strongest terms the killing of Calibjo.

Police Colonel Leo Pamittan, acting Nocppo director, has ordered the Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Unit to help the investigator conduct a thorough investigation and for the solution of the case.

“We do not tolerate these acts of barbarism against citizens and especially the members of the peacemakers and force multipliers who are partners of the Philippine National Police in maintaining peace and order of the community”, Pamittan said in a statement.

The provincial police office is calling for the help of citizens who may have information for a speedy investigation and to give justice to the victim.