‘Rob group member’ killed by suspected rebels

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Police are looking into the alleged link of the New People’s Army (NPA) to the killing of a suspected robbery group member in Barangay San Jose, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental last Thursday.

The victim was identified as Raymundo Villanueva, 52, of the said village.

Police Major James Latayon, city police chief, said that unidentified armed persons allegedly introduced themselves as Army soldiers while knocking on the door of Villanueva’s house.

The armed group then reportedly yelled at the victim to go out of his house, according to the victim’s daughter.

But when Villanueva denied them entry to the house, the armed men allegedly destroyed the door and forcibly entered the house.

The perpetrators then repeatedly shot him to death.

Latayon said the armed men were confirmed to be not part of the Army, but police suspected them to be alleged NPA members.

Latayon said Villanueva was an alleged relative of a robbery group leader in Cauayan town, who was killed here in 2018.

“Gina pangitaan daw siya carbin na armas, wala niya gin hatag, gin tiro lang siya,” the police chief added.

Latayon said they are also looking into grudges as possible motive, although it is subject for verification.