• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion has strongly condemned the series of killings of innocent civilians, which were claimed by remnants of the New People’s Army in northern Negros.
At the same time, the 79IB vehemently denied allegations of the NPA that those individuals they had killed were military informants.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, dismissed the allegations as false and are “clearly meant to justify the brutal killings of innocent civilians.”
The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command earlier claimed responsibility for the killing of four civilians in Toboso, Victorias City and E.B. Magalona.
In the past few months, Calaoagan noted that “the barbaric NPA boastfully claimed responsibility for the execution of innocent civilians, under the same dilapidated justifications and false narratives”.
“In their desperation, they even take credit for incidents that were not of their doing, all in an attempt to sow fear, create chaos, and strengthen their continuous extortion activities among the poor and vulnerable,” he added.
A group of rebel remnants led by alias “Arnel Tapang” has been the subject of focused military operations by the 79IB in the past several years.
His group is being tagged as the one behind the series of killings in the hinterlands of northern Negros, especially in Calatrava.
A P1-million reward is being offered for the capture of Tapang, according to the military.
“These senseless acts of violence show the CPP-NPA’s utter disregard for human life, human rights, and the peace that communities strive to maintain,” Calaogan further said. | GB
