NPA claims killing of two Negros laborers

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the fatal shootings of two laborers in Negros Occidental, including the most recent killing in Toboso town on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Police said the 30-year-old victim was at home when seven unidentified armed men wearing bonnets arrived and took him a few meters away from his house in Sitio Mansiguibo, Barangay San Isidro, Toboso.

The assailants allegedly shot the victim several times before fleeing toward the upland area of Barangay Bandila.

The victim was pronounced dead at a hospital, and his brother later reported the incident to the police.

In a statement posted on its website Thursday, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the NPA claimed responsibility for the killing, alleging that the victim was a military asset.

The Toboso incident followed the killing of a 44-year-old laborer in Sitio Old Manghanoy, Barangay Manghanoy, La Castellana, on Jan. 5.

Police said the La Castellana victim had a previous case for attempted homicide and was allegedly involved in gunrunning and illegal drugs.

The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the NPA also claimed responsibility for that incident, accusing the victim of being a drug pusher and a police asset.

The group said the victim had been warned several times to stop engaging in illegal drug activities.

Despite the NPA’s claims, Police Maj. Romulo Gepilango, chief of the La Castellana Municipal Police Station, said authorities will not rely solely on the group’s statements.

Gepilango said police will continue their investigation to establish the motive and identify those responsible for the killings.