NPA claims killing of ex-rebel in Kabankalan

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Armando Sumayang Jr. Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) claimed responsibility for the killing of an alleged former rebel in Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Friday night.

The rebel group, in a statement released over the weekend, alleged that 45-year-old “Danny” surrendered to the government and became a military asset.

Based on police investigation, the victim’s younger brother heard two explosions while he was heading home, ran toward a sugarcane field for safety, and then heard a gunshot.

He was later informed by a resident that his older brother was gunned down by three unidentified persons at home.

Police Lt. Col. Roberto Indiape Jr., chief of the Kabankalan City Police Station, said the victim and his younger brother both left the armed struggle and worked as farmers.

Indiape said this is the second incident claimed by the rebels in Kabankalan City this year.

The same group also admitted the murder of 53-year-old “Jerry” in Barangay Tapi on Sept. 6, tagging him as an alleged military asset.

The recent incident added to the list of multiple insurgency-related killings in the province since January, which mostly occurred in the northern part.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is designated a terrorist organization by the Philippine government.