NPA Claims Killing of Farmer in Victorias City

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command-New People’s Army (NPA) Northern Negros Guerrilla Front has claimed responsibility for the killing of a farmer in Sitio 5, Barangay 11, Gawahon, Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday.

In a statement, Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson for the rebel group, said they carried out the execution of “Jonhee” as revolutionary justice after he allegedly killed his sibling in December 2024.

The group also claimed that the victim attempted to hack his mother and threatened his other siblings.

Police Lt. Col. Terence Paul Sta. Ana, chief of the Victorias City Police Station, confirmed the December 2024 incident but said the case was settled after the victim’s mother refused to file charges.

Sta. Ana denied the other allegations made by the rebel group, noting that no complaints had been filed against Jonhee for making threats.

Jonhee was reportedly waiting for a land dispute settlement meeting with his family when three unidentified armed men with covered faces arrived and shot him at close range after confirming his identity.

He died of gunshot wounds to the head and body.

Sta. Ana said the victim’s sibling was reportedly involved in the armed struggle but was not among the shooters.

He added that the attack stemmed from a family land dispute.

He noted that there had been no prior NPA presence or sightings in the area, but with this incident, authorities suspect the group may be attempting to reestablish its presence.

Sta. Ana said they will coordinate with the Army to strengthen the counterinsurgency campaign in the area.

He also said police are willing to assist the victim’s wife should she choose to file charges and that they are reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to help identify the suspects.