NPA claims fatal attacks on cop, civilian in Negros

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command (RJPC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the killings of a policeman and a civilian in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Sunday, Dec. 8.

In a statement released Monday, RJPC-NPA spokesperson Ka Cecil Estrella said a 58-year-old man was killed in Barangay Dolis for allegedly serving as a guide and asset of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during military operations and surveillance against suspected supporters of the rebel group.

The NPA also admitted to killing Police Staff Master Sgt. (PSMS) Rommel Aguilar, who was last seen after an encounter between police officers of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (NOPMFC) and armed individuals in Barangay Menchaca.

The rebel group said it recovered Aguilar’s service firearm, a 9mm pistol, along with several rounds of ammunition.

Aguilar’s body was later found in Purok 5, Barangay Laga-an, past noon on the same day.

Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) spokesperson, Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, said that although the NPA admitted to the killings, authorities still require witnesses to testify and positively identify those responsible.

She noted that before the admission, suspicions had already centered on the NPA, as it is the only known armed group operating in the upland barangays of northern Negros Occidental.

Malong said fear may be preventing potential witnesses from cooperating, but she emphasized that their testimonies are necessary to file charges and pursue justice.

The town of Calatrava has recorded several violent incidents involving the NPA in recent months.

Malong said Aguilar, 45, a resident of Toboso town, joined the police service in 2005.

She said he went missing during the encounter after his team was forced to regroup due to an intense firefight and difficult terrain.

She added that the PRO-NIR headquarters is flying its flag at half-staff in honor of Aguilar’s bravery and dedication.

“We strongly and relentlessly condemn these violent and inhumane attacks against our police personnel,” said Police Lt. Col. Roy Rodrigo Gutierrez, NOCPFMC commander.

“The loss of our comrade and brother in the police service will never be forgotten. We stand firm in our resolve, and we will not cease our pursuit until justice is served.”

Police Col. Dennis Wenceslao, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), said intensified operations have been launched in response to the twin attacks.

“Mariin naming kinokondena ang malulupit at walang-awang pag-atakeng ito, laban man sa isang inosenteng sibilyan o sa aming kapulisang tapat na ginagampanan ang kanilang tungkulin,” Wenceslao said.

“Ang pagpaslang kay PSMS Aguilar ay hindi lamang pag-atake sa PNP, kundi isang malaking insulto sa mga mapayapang komunidad ng Calatrava.”

“Siya ay naglingkod nang may tapang at buong puso,” he added.

“Pararangalan namin ang kanyang sakripisyo sa pamamagitan ng walang-humpay na pagtugis at pagdadala sa hustisya ng bawat armadong salaring responsable sa mga karumal-dumal na krimeng ito.”

“Buong puso ang pagtutok ng NOCPPO sa pagpapanumbalik ng kapayapaan at sa pagprotekta sa ating mga pamayanang nasa kabukiran.”

Provincial police and AFP units, along with nearby police stations, have launched intensified pursuit, dragnet, and blocking operations in response to the attacks.

The Provincial Intelligence Unit has also deployed investigators to support the ongoing probe.

Wenceslao assured the public that all efforts are being made to secure affected communities and bring those responsible to justice.