Former NPA leader in Agusan, brod slain

BUTUAN CITY — They called him "Kumander Giveheart."

Though a lumad chieftain of the dreaded New People’s Army (NPA) hit squad in the Caraga region that kidnapped the town mayor and three other officials of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur five years ago, he reportedly lived a life like Robin Hood — he gave without question to his men and the needy in various communities.

But unlike the Prince of Thieves, his life ended a tragedy, almost worthy of Homer.

Last June 21, Rodrigo Acevedo and his elder brother, identified only as "Boy Tisoy," were killed by several assailants — two of them their own kin — in two separate places in Agusan del Sur.

The suspects, identified by witnesses as Zaldy Acevedo, Elias Acevedo, Joel Palabrico, Toto Baguio and Junior Benacio, were reportedly envious of the livelihood opportunities that the government had given to Acevedo and his elder brother for returning to the fold of the law.

The two brothers were reportedly allowed to engage in gold mining and logging in this province.

All of the suspects were residents of Barangay Salem, Bayugan town, some 100 kilometers southeast of this city.

Witnesses Tata Sagod, Acevedo’s wife, and Melchor Macalde, a forester, said Kuman—der Giveheart was slain while taking a bath in his home, also in Barangay Salem.

Acevedo was shot eight times, police investigators said.

On the other hand, Boy Tisoy, who was engaged in gold panning, was slain in Barangay La Purissima, Prosperidad town, also in Agusan del Sur.

His body was found in a gold mine tunnel he was scouring. Police believe his assailants threw his body there to conceal the crime.