Slain NPA leader in Guihulngan tagged in Cafgu slay

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA), who was killed in a clash with military troopers in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last Monday, was tagged in the killing of a Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA) in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental three months ago.

According to the Army, Victoriano Baldonado alias “Rudy,” 34, of Barangay Trinidad, was the alleged commander of Section Guerrilla Unit (SGU) of Central Negros (CN) 1, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS), which allegedly operates in the tri-boundaries of Guihulngan City, Canlaon City, both in Negros Oriental, and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental.

The Army said that Baldonado and his group were allegedly responsible for the killing of CAA member Joselito Raboy in Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla town on Sept. 24.

The group was also linked to the harassment of a police detachment in Barangay Trinidad on Sept. 10, and Nov. 1, and the alleged harassment of former NPA rebels and other rebels who intend to surrender, the Army reported.

Baldonado was killed in the encounter with the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) at Sitio Banderahan, Barangay Trinidad when the military troopers responded to a report of the alleged presence of unidentified armed persons in the area.

Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), lauded the residents of Guihulngan City for their continued support especially in providing timely information to the military troopers.

He also recognized the dedication to duty of the 62nd IB exhibited during the encounter against the NPA.

“It is incomparable. Continue to be the best in going after these NPA rebels,” Pasaporte said.

Pasaporte said that the 62nd IB is always prepared and ready to conduct security operations and employ the legitimate use of force against threat groups that endanger the well-being of the people, especially the residents of Guihulngan City.

Meanwhile, Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), also commended the 62nd IB for the successful combat operation and acknowledged the vigilance and cooperation of the residents in giving accurate information to the troops.