NPA claims killing of civilians in Negros Occidental

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY — The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the deaths of three civilians suspected by the group to be government forces’ assets in Negros Occidental.

The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command (RJPC)-NPA confirmed the execution of a village watchman in Barangay Laga-an, Calatrava, last week.

According to Ka Cecil Estrella, a spokesperson for the rebels, Alexander Alquizar, 54, was ambushed on Saturday, April 20, allegedly found with a .45 caliber firearm and ammunition.

Alquizar was working his farmland when armed individuals shot him, an attack witnessed by his wife from afar, police said.

Police Major Ronald Santillan, Calatrava’s town police chief, stated these allegations have not been verified.

In a separate incident on Thursday night, Albert Goles, 37, was killed, and his nine-year-old daughter injured at their home in Barangay Inolingan, Moises Padilla.

Police Captain Armel Lasap reported that Goles was shot by individuals who initially approached his home requesting water.

The Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC)-NPA Central Negros Guerrilla Front later admitted to orchestrating Goles’ death, with spokesperson Ka JB Regalado declaring Goles was “sanctioned” in October 2023 due to alleged military ties.

Additionally, in Sipalay City, a 43-year-old man was fatally shot in Barangay Camindangan.

The Armando Sumayang Jr Command-NPA Southwest Negros Guerrilla Front claimed this attack.

These incidents follow the NPA’s admission of killing a resort employee in Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City on April 21, and another civilian in Barangay Camandag, La Castellana, on April 11.

Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office criticized the NPA’s justifications, calling their actions terror tactics and highlighting their focus on “soft targets” to instill fear and assert their relevance.

The NPA’s actions and the military’s response underscore the ongoing tension and conflict in the region.