‘Justice for Corporal Villasis’

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz— “We want justice for our fallen hero Corporal Frederick Villasis.”

This was the common reaction of relatives, friends, military and public officials to the brutal killing of Corporal Frederick Villasis who was abducted and summarily executed by the alleged members of the CPP-NPA in Brgy. Lahug, Tapaz, Capiz.

According to Renato Villasis, he didn’t expect the inhumane killing of his son Frederick as he was merely doing his obligations as a defender of the people.

He said Frederick is a loving son to his five other siblings and a good and responsible father and husband to his family.

Tapaz Mayor Roberto “Nonong” Palomar, on the other hand, condemned the barbaric act of killing Corporal Frederick Villasis last August 11, 2021. He said all officials of Tapaz also condemn the incident.

The Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers also sought justice for Villasis.

“He died a hero protecting the people of Brgy. Lahug, Tapaz, Capiz, let us honor his selfless service to our Nation,” the troopers said on their Facebook post.

Major Cenon Pancito III, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the killing of Villasis by the alleged NPA is a “manifestation of being coward” members of the rebels.

Villasis was onboard a motorcycle with Analyn Giganto, a councilwoman in Lahug, around 11:30 a.m. of August 11, 2021.

The two were headed to the town hall to borrow an ambulance for sick persons in the barangay, said Pancito.

However, around 40 armed men blocked their way and took the soldier with them, leaving an unharmed Giganto behind.

The rebels reportedly tortured Villasis before shooting him from behind. His motorcycle was also set on fire.