• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The killing of a civilian in Victorias City, Negros Occidental was claimed by the New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday.
In a statement, the dismantled Jean Pelle Command owned up to the shooting to death of farmer Jhonhi “Owing” Montoya in Sitio 5, Barangay Gawahon on April 2.
Initial police investigation showed that the 44-year-old victim was gunned down by three men outside the barangay hall for no apparent reason at all.
Montoya was supposed to attend the settlement of a land conflict and related family matters at the barangay hall.
Authorities recovered three fired cartridges and a slug of caliber .45 pistol at the scene of the incident.
According to the NPA, the victim was meted a death penalty for allegedly killing his sibling in December last year.
Almost a month ago, the same group of rebels claimed responsibility for the killing of a 60-year-old barangay watchman and former quarry guard in Barangay Consing, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental. | GB
