INDIGNATION RALLY. Members of various civil society groups in southern Negros condemn the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army during an indignation rally in Bago City on Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2020). The activity also served as a tribute to Capt. Efren Espanto, a Negrense policeman who was killed during an encounter with the NPA rebels in Janiuay, Iloilo last February 12. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)
BACOLOD CITY – Some 300 Negrenses gathered to condemn the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) during an indignation rally in Bago City on Tuesday.
The activity, held in front of the Manuel Y. Torres Coliseum, also served as a tribute to Capt. Efren Espanto, a Negrense policeman who was killed during an encounter with the NPA rebels in Janiuay, Iloilo last February 12.
Col. Romeo Baleros, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), in a statement released on Wednesday, said the communist-terrorist group committed an inhuman act in ending the life of Espanto.
“His legacy and bravery will remain in the hearts of his fellow police officers,” he added.
Espanto, who was the team leader of Regional Mobile Force-Western Visayas Reconnaissance Company, hails from La Carlota City but has a residence in Bago City. Married to a fellow police officer, he was a member of the Philippine National Police Academy 2015 Class Lakandula.
On Tuesday, Espanto’s remains were transferred from Baxter Funeral Homes in Bago to La Carlota Gymnasium. He will be laid to rest in his hometown on February 29.
Maj. Edison Garcia, public information officer of NOCPPO, said members of various civil society groups organized the rally, which was supported by the provincial police.
Some of the participants brought banners paying tribute to Espanto, which read “Salute to courage and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.”
During the indignation rally, a former rebel shared his experience as a misguided member of the NPA. He surrendered to the government authorities after he realized the meaningless ideology of the communist-terrorist group.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
