NPA disowns encounter casualty

By: Dolly Yasa 

BACOLOD City – The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) in Central Negros Front confirmed an encounter with the 62nd Infantry Battalion but denied any casualty on their side.

In a press statement sent to Daily Guardian on Nov. 24, 2019, the LPC-NPA said the fire fight with state troopers happened 4 p.m. of Nov 22 at Sitio Iglusong, Barangay Kanlusong, Binalbagan town in Negros Occidental.

“In truth, it was the mercenary military troops who incurred one killed-in-action that they alleged to be an NPA member to cover up their casualty. They (62nd IB) also captured a civilian, Ernesto Amallo, when they ransacked the house of Amallo’s in-laws and presented him as NPA afterwards,” LPC-NPA spokesperson JB said

Regalado also claimed that the 62nd IB held residents at Sitio Iglusong and Sitio Mahu-paho to stop them from evacuating and confiscated their cellular phones.

“We strongly condemn the atrocities of the terrorist military abusing human rights of civilians and violating the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” Regalado added.

The Central Negros Guerrilla Front also cried foul over the alleged inhumane treatment of Amallo who suffered wounds during his capture and was not brought to the nearest hospital within 24 hours of his arrest.

Meanwhile, Regalado also confirmed that troops from the LPC-NPA implemented police action to arrest and disarm the village chief on orders of the People’s Democratic Government.

The residence of Barangay Tinongan Captain Eugene “Harley” Zambrona was reported to have been raided the evening of Nov 20.

According to the statement, Zambrona is facing charges of threatening civilians, residents of his barangay, public school teachers, and even lending collectors with his gun.

Zambrona also allegedly armed his barangay tanods causing disturbances in the community and is a protector of illegal drugs.

The LPC-NPA warned Zambrona that it will continue to enforce justice demanded by his victims.

“Other village chiefs are urged to serve the interest of the people and not make governance a business,” Regalado added.