NPA claims farmer’s killing in Kabankalan

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The killing of a farmer in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, last week has been added to the growing list of insurgency-related deaths in the province since March.

In a statement, the Armando Sumayang Jr. Command–New People’s Army (NPA) Southwest Negros Guerrilla Front claimed responsibility for the Sept. 6 killing of 53-year-old “Jerry” in Barangay Tapi, accusing him of being a military asset.

Police Lt. Col. Roberto Indiape Jr., chief of the Kabankalan City Police Station, said the victim was not a police informant, and they are coordinating with the Philippine Army to verify if he was connected to the military.

Indiape added that the victim’s wife is reluctant to pursue legal action due to fear for her safety.

The victim was reportedly drinking with his son-in-law when three unidentified assailants arrived and shot him in the head outside his home.

The son-in-law was unharmed after being ordered by the attackers to lie on the ground.

Despite the NPA’s admission, Indiape said a witness is still needed to file a case in court.

He noted that while they have identified persons of interest, they have yet to establish links to the rebel group.

In addition to the Kabankalan incident, the same NPA unit also claimed responsibility for killing a man in Barangay Narra, Cauayan, on Aug. 28, citing an alleged theft offense, although police are still verifying the report.

Several insurgency-related killings have been reported across Negros Occidental from March to July, particularly in E.B. Magalona, Toboso and Calatrava.

More recently, a former barangay councilor and a farmer were gunned down in Manapla and Toboso on Sept. 3 and 4, also allegedly by the NPA.

The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has condemned the series of killings and pledged justice for the victims and their families.