NPA Claims Killing of Ex-Tanod in Calatrava

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the killing of a former barangay tanod in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, early Friday.

According to an initial police report, the victim, identified as “Jon,” sustained multiple gunshot wounds after being shot at around 5:30 a.m. in Sitio Harvey, Barangay Minapasuk.

The incident was reported to authorities about an hour later.

As of this writing, no additional details have been released.

In a statement, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the NPA claimed responsibility for the attack and alleged that the victim was a former member of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army.

The rebel group also accused him of being a military asset and of involvement in incidents targeting farmers.

They further claimed that a .45-caliber pistol was recovered from the victim.

The incident is the latest in a series of fatal shootings allegedly carried out by the NPA in northern Negros, particularly in the towns of Toboso and Calatrava.

Police have since intensified anti-insurgency operations in response to the spate of killings.