Negros Occidental gov unfazed by NPA plot

BACOLOD CITY — "I have nothing to fear."

Thus reacted Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon to military intelligence reports saying that he, along with top police and military officials in the province, has been marked for liquidation by the New People’s Army (NPA).

The NPA hit list reportedly includes Senior Superintendent Vicente Ponteras, Negros Occidental police director; Col. Victor Ibrado, head of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade; and Brig. Gen. Alphonsus Crucero, Ibrado’s predecessor.

In Eastern Visayas, Army intelligence sources revealed that a 30-man NPA hit squad is plotting to liquidate the regional directors of two government agencies and five military officers belonging to the 52nd, 63rd and 803rd Infantry Brigades.

Earlier, Col. Cesar Tiongson, commander of the Army’s 803rd IB, told The STAR that the NPA has been recruiting young people as hit men.

Marañon brushed aside the NPA slay plot, saying he has nothing to fear because he has done nothing wrong against his fellow Negrenses.

He admitted having received such reports in previous years, but added there had been no confirmation from the police or the military.

Ponteras, for his part, said similar reports reached him last November but were also unconfirmed.

One of the two Eastern Visayas government directors in the supposed NPA hit list has doubled his security but nevertheless expressed surprise why he is being targeted for liquidation.

"I am thankful that I was informed. I should now be careful with my security," said the government official, who refused to be identified.

"This is not alarming but we have to be careful," he added.