PRO-NIR condemns killings of ex-kagawad, farmer in Negros

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) condemned the killing of a former barangay councilor in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, calling it a “cowardly” act of violence by the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a statement Thursday, Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the suspects were identified through the e-rogue system and confirmed to be NPA rebels.

Malong said the 54-year-old victim, identified only as “Pablo,” was described by neighbors as a good and peace-loving individual with no derogatory record, and a respected public servant who once devoted himself to the welfare of his barangay.

The PRO-NIR said his death deeply affected his family, friends, and constituents who knew him as a decent man who lived quietly and honorably.

Police said the victim was shot outside his home by a man pretending to look for a missing carabao.

The perpetrators also reportedly threatened the family before fleeing.

Authorities initially reported one suspect, later identifying two more.

The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command–NPA Northern Negros Guerilla Front claimed responsibility for Pablo’s killing in a statement Wednesday night.

The group later admitted to the killing of “Bemboy” in Toboso town, calling him a military intelligence asset.

The NPA also alleged that Pablo was an informant of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion in northern Negros.

First Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, 79th IB civil-military officer, denied the claim, saying the unit does not maintain intelligence assets.

Samoza said Pablo’s murder was proof of the rebels’ “barbarism” and “banditry,” intended to justify attacks on individuals they brand as assets.

He suggested the violence may be a diversionary tactic amid intensified military operations.

“Maaaring naiipit iyong grupo nila sa nasabing lugar that they need to conduct atrocities to divert the operations,” Samoza said. “Hindi po natin sasakyan ang mga taktika nila.”

He said difficulties persist in pursuing rebel remnants due to community protection, but urged residents not to allow insurgents to sow fear.

Samoza added that operations would intensify until “there was nothing left,” though he stressed that rebels still had the option to surrender and live peacefully.

Meanwhile, PRO-NIR said witnesses in Pablo’s case had submitted sworn statements before a prosecutor in Victorias City.

A murder case will be filed Monday, pending post-mortem and ballistic exam results.

The office assured the victim’s family that justice would be “relentlessly pursued.”

“We call on all Negrenses to unite with the authorities in putting an end to the atrocities committed by the NPA,” it said.

In a separate incident Thursday, a 35-year-old farmer identified as “Bemboy” was shot dead by two unidentified men in Sitio Vergara, Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso.

Initial investigation showed he was ambushed while riding his motorcycle after taking his son to school.

Recovered at the scene were a fired 5.56mm bullet and five spent .45 caliber shells.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, condemned the attack and said all resources were being mobilized to ensure justice for the victim’s family.

Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the Toboso police or the nearest hotline.

Malong said it was too early to link the two killings, though all angles were being investigated in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Ibay earlier ordered special investigation teams to probe a series of killings allegedly carried out by the NPA across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

The NPA has claimed responsibility for multiple killings in northern Negros between March and July, particularly in E.B. Magalona, Toboso, and Calatrava.

While Ibay noted progress in the probes, he said solving the cases would take time but assured the public that no lead was being ignored.

PRO-NIR is also coordinating with the Commission on Human Rights, which is conducting a parallel investigation into insurgency-related killings.