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46 killed by NPA in Negros since 2010: Army

By Nanette Guadalquiver

March 21, 2018, 6:48 pm

BACOLOD CITY -- The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) on Wednesday said 46 people, including policemen, have been murdered by members of the Community Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Island in recent years.

The 3rd ID, headed by Brig. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, issued the statement on Wednesday urging the public to remain vigilant and cautious as the NPA is set to celebrate its 49th founding anniversary on March 29.

Based on a report of the 3rd ID covering years ‎2010-2017, the CPP/NPA liquidated 16 Negrense civilians in 2016 alone.

Among the victims were Juvy Mahusay, Anthony Tusoy, and William Arquil, dealers of a solar panel firm, who were assassinated on March 22, 2016 at Sitio Cabatangbatangan, Barangay Bucalan in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

On May 22 of the same year, farmers Dionisio Ybañez and Jose Pios were also killed by rebels at Hacienda Aliwanay, Barangay General Luna in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Last year, the army said the rebels killed 10 civilians, among them Roberto Lumayno and his driver Danilo Braga at Purok Greenhills, Barangay Minapasok in Calatrava, Negros Occidental during an incident on June 22.

Another victim, Eliodoro Alvarado, was dragged out of his house and shot on the head for not giving in to the rebels' extortion demand. This happened on May 27 at Sitio Binataan, Barangay Quintin Remo in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, the Army said.

On July 21, 2017, NPA rebels staged an ambush in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental which claimed the lives of six policemen and a civilian.

“And who can forget the La Castellana massacre where eight civilians and a policeman were ruthlessly executed by these terrorists despite begging for their life as civilians,” the 3rd ID said.

The incident happened at Barangay Puso, La Castellana in Negros Occidental early morning of January 27, 2013 while the victims were on their way home from a fiesta celebration.

“These incidents affirm that the CPP/NPA is not fighting for the welfare of the civilians contrary to their claims that they are protecting their so-called ‘masses’,” the 3rd ID said in a statement.

Dolina called on the members of the CPP-NPA to give peace a chance, yield their firearms, and abandon the armed struggle so they can return to their families and begin a new and peaceful life.

The 3rd ID coverage includes 10 provinces in the islands of Panay, Negros, Siquijor, Cebu and Bohol. (PNA)

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