• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The spate of killings perpetrated by remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental has become a “challenge” for law enforcement agencies, the province’s top Philippine Army official said.
“This is because they are hitting vulnerable or soft targets in far-flung and hinterland areas,” Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, pointed out.
Military records showed that more than 30 civilians had been killed by rebel remnants in Negros since March last year.
Their targets are agrarian reform beneficiaries, alleged military spies, and those allegedly involved in crimes, Dumosmog said.
“If you look at it, it is purely murder. It’s no longer in furtherance of their ideology,” he added.
While it is more of a police matter and a law enforcement problem, Dumosmog said the Philippine Army will always be there to help as they are aware of their limitations.
Charges were already filed against identified suspects, he added.
“We hope that we will be able to stop all these killings,” Dumosmog said, adding that failure to do so may affect the confidence of the people in law enforcement agencies.
Various groups, including Buklod Kapayapaan, have urged the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the killings in Negros to end the culture of impunity. | GB
