NPA Claims Third Deadly Shooting in Toboso

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The municipality of Toboso in Negros Occidental recorded its third fatal shooting incident linked to the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday morning in Crossing Bairan, Barangay General Luna.

Police identified the victim as “Enrique,” 64, a tricycle driver.

An investigation revealed that three unidentified armed men stormed the victim’s home shortly after 5 a.m. and shot him dead.

One suspect reportedly searched the house for a firearm before fleeing toward a mountainous area.

Authorities recovered six fired cartridges from a 9mm-caliber firearm at the scene.

Police have yet to release further details.

In a statement, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command (RJPC)-NPA claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging the victim was a military intelligence asset.

Enrique is the fourth victim in a string of NPA-related shootings in Toboso since June 22.

The first incident killed two vendors in Barangay San Isidro on June 22.

This was followed by the fatal shooting of a 25-year-old man in Barangay Bandila on June 26.

The NPA also recently claimed responsibility for the June 24 killing of a 36-year-old laborer in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

In response, the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) reinforced the Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) team in Barangay Bandila, Toboso.

The initiative brought together the military, police and local government to strengthen community efforts in countering insurgency and crime.

Police stressed the vital role of citizens in maintaining peace, vigilance and public safety.

This mission aligns with the 79th IB’s broader goal of creating empowered, secure and insurgency-resilient communities across Northern Negros.