NPA claims Sipalay farmer killing

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The New People’s Army (NPA) has admitted killing a 52-year-old farmer in Barangay Manlucahoc, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Armando Sumayang Jr. Command of the NPA said the victim, identified as Conrad, was sanctioned by its revolutionary court for alleged rape to defend the rights of those abused.

Police investigation showed that the victim was outside his residence when an unidentified person arrived and shot him multiple times.

Despite the admission, Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said investigators will still verify the rebel group’s allegation.

Police will conduct a proper investigation into the incident, which occurred two days after the deadly armed encounter in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, on April 19.

The Toboso clash left 19 suspected NPA members dead, according to police and military reports.

The Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion also clashed with suspected NPA rebels in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, on Thursday.