PNP to probe vigilantes tagged in Negros killings

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will look into reports that a vigilante group perpetrated a wave of killings in Negros Oriental.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde cited reports that the so-called Kawsa Guilhungan Batok Komunista or Kagubak was behind the killing of those perceived as supporters of communist rebels.

Albayalde said it was the first time he heard about the supposed vigilante group. He said he would ask Central Visayas police director Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas and Negros Oriental police director Col. Rizalito Gapas for information about the group.

Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Risa Hontiveros had earlier urged the PNP to investigate Kagubak.

The senators said the group came out with a hit list of those with alleged links to the communist movement.

At least 21 people were killed in Negros Oriental from July 18 to 28. Among the fatalities are lawyers, barangay officials and police officers.

Albayalde said he is not discounting the possibility that communist rebels perpetrated some of the killings to purge their ranks.

“They sacrifice their own and blame security forces,” he said.

2 shot dead

Meanwhile, Ramonito Handumon, councilman of Barangay Mabunga in Guihulngan City, was among two persons gunned down in Negros Oriental on Wednesday.

Police said Handumon was shot by an unidentified assailant in Sitio Tamwag.

In Bacong town, Sergio Sarming, 55, was found bloodied in front of his house in Barangay Banilad shortly after his family members heard gunshots. He was declared dead on arrival in a hospital.

Probers have yet to determine the motives for the killings. – With Gilbert Bayoran