Rebels gun down ex-kagawad, son

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Mayor Marianne Gustilo of Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental condemned the “brutal and merciless” killing of a former kagawad and his son by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members inside their house at Barangay Malangsa last Wednesday.

The Army identified the victims as former Barangay Kagawad Lucio Perater, 61, husband of incumbent Barangay Captain Beatriz Perater, and their 37-year-old son.

In a statement, the NPA through Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of Leonardo Panaligan Command-Central Negros Front, admitted killing the two victims after they allegedly fired at them when they raided their house.

Despite the early warning of the NPA against the barangay captain, she allegedly kept her involvement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as intelligence asset, as well as her husband and son, according to the rebel group.

Thus, the NPA raided their house and reportedly seized a shotgun, a .45 caliber pistol, a .38 caliber pistol, a .357 caliber pistols, and bullets.

Regalado said that this incident may serve as a warning to individuals in Central Negros who are part of the AFP’s network, adding that it will persevere to mount tactical offensives and other military actions to defend the masses.

The group also urged politicians to surrender their firearms to a nearby party branch or NPA unit and to respect the authority of the People’s Democratic Government and its policies regarding the campaign season of reactionary elections this year, or face the consequences of not doing so.

In a statement, Gustilo said the “barbaric act” perpetuated by the members of the NPA is despicable and unacceptable, especially executing people who refuse to pay revolutionary taxes.

Gustilo said the local government condemns all sorts of violent acts, which must not be tolerated.

Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) also slammed the rebels.

He assured that assistance will be provided to the family of the victims and the Army will continue to ensure peace and development in the area and mentioned that the insurgency situation in the area is manageable.