Army slams NPA for killing spree

SHARE THIS STORY
TWEET IT
Email

• GILBERT P. BAYORAN

The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) has denounced remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) for their killing spree in northern Negros, shamelessly bragging the taking of lives of innocent civilians in the past months.

In separate statements, the NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle Command owned up the killing of Juvinie Sarona and Eduardo Continedo Baynosa in Toboso, Negros Occidental.

“This audacious admission, devoid of any remorse, lays bare their ruthless nature and alarming disregard to human life,” Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, said in a statement.

A tractor burned by rebels in Brgy. Bug ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental. | 79IB photo

Sarona, who was labeled by the NPA as a member of gun-for-hire group and a land grabber, is a threat to their futile and deadly cause, he added.

Calaoagan said that Sarona supported the government peace, progress and development initiatives and the transformation of former rebels by employing them in his businesses.

“Beyond the multiple threats he received, Sarona did not give in to the NPA’s extortion demands,” he said.

Calaoagan also said that Baynosa, a former NPA member, was sentenced to death as he chose peace over violence.

Others victims of NPA atrocities included Edilberto Oreta and Angelo Dela Cruz of Sitio Camao, Barangay Marcelo; Elisio Mahilum and Felix Resutay of Sitio Batyogon, Barangay Minapasuk, and Joemarie Nabises of Barangay Cambayobo, all in Calatrava, Negros Occidental. | GB