Authorities alarmed by series of killings of alleged Army spies in Negros Occidental

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At least six civilians accused of being spies for the Army have been killed in a series of shootings since March, in attacks claimed by the NPA

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Authorities in Negros Occidental have raised alarm over what they described as a disturbing pattern of killings of civilians tagged as military informants by the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the northern part of the province.

Authorities said at least six civilians accused of being spies for the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion have been killed in a series of shootings since March, in attacks claimed by the NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle Command.

The latest attack took place on Sunday, June 22, when two men, identified as Elias Palay and Putot Alsado, were shot dead in broad daylight in Sitio Aguinaldo, Barangay San Isidro, Toboso town. 

In a statement sent to the media, RJPC said both were “military informants” of the 79th IB. It said the killings were meant to punish “traitors.”

1st Lieutenant Dan Somoza, head of the 79th IB’s Civil Military Operations, said the victims were not spying for the military contrary to the NPA’s claims.

The RJPC has also claimed responsibility for the June 17 killing of Leonardo Nepalar, a former rebel who worked for the Calatrava local government.

The rebel group alleged that Nepalar was a “goon” for Calatrava Mayor Marilyn Era—an accusation her lawyer, Ariel Malunes, dismissed as a “hoax,” saying it was implausible for the 73-year-old mayor to be involved with goons.

The NPA also owned responsibility for the May 14 shooting death of former militiaman Jury Gani in Sitio Minasug-ang, Barangay Tabun-ac, Toboso. The NPA said Gani once served as its intelligence officer before becoming a military informant.

The series of killings attributed to the NPA dates back to March. On April 2, 44-year-old Johnhi Montoya was gunned down inside a covered court in Barangay Gawahon, Victorias City, and the RJPC claimed responsibility, citing the victim’s “liabilities” with the group. 

On March 11, a 60-year-old barangay watchman identified only as “Dakol” was also killed in Barangay Consing, EB Magalona. RJPC alleged he was a former rebel turned Army informant.

Somoza dismissed the RJPC’s claims, accusing the NPA of spreading disinformation.

“The RJPC is just fabricating lies aimed at justifying their terroristic acts and barbarism,” he said.

Negros Occidental police director Colonel Rainerio de Chavez said investigators have started looking into the “alarming” pattern of killings attributed to the NPA.

“We need to be exact in our information, but we are now doing everything to put a stop to this,” De Chavez said on Tuesday, June 24. – Rappler.com