Wanted ‘rebel militia’ tagged in killing of ex-village chief falls

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An alleged member of the Yunit Militia of the New People’s Army (NPA) wanted for the murder of a former village chief in Isabela, Negros Occidental was arrested at Sitio Maalot-alot, Barangay San Agustin last Thursday.

Police and military troopers served an arrest warrant for murder (with no bail) against Winnie Carillo, 53, of the said village. He is the sixth most wanted person in the town.

Judge Mila Yap-Camiso of Regional Trial Court Branch 74 in La Carlota City issued the warrant on Nov. 10, 2022.

Police Captain Joseph Partidas, Isabela town police chief, said that Carillo was tagged in the killing of former Barangay San Agustin Captain Agapito Euroba on Aug. 10, 2018.

Euroba, along with a companion, went to the upland part of the village to visit his farm when unidentified assailants fired at him several times and fled. A day after the incident, the NPA claimed the killing.

Partidas said that three more rebels, including the suspect’s two siblings, were also linked to the killing and are still at large.

Carillo was a former commander of the Yunit Militia and still an active member of the group, upon verification with the Philippine Army.

He was previously subjected to a search warrant for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in 2020, according to Partidas.