CAFGU member gunned down in Negros Oriental

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – A Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines died of multiple gunshot wounds early Monday in the hinterland village of Milagrosa in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental after two suspects fired at him for a still undetermined motive.

The victim was identified as a certain Vicente Deliña, a member of the 12th Citizens’ Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Battalion and currently assigned at the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental.

An initial report said Deliña was grazing his horse around 5 a.m. Monday at the sub-village of Tapsaw in Milagrosa when two men armed with high-powered firearms ambushed and shot him.

Lieutenant Col. Marion Sison, commander of the 79th IB, said Deliña died on the spot due to gunshot wounds to his head and face.

The suspects, initially believed to be members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) fled the scene immediately, carting away the victim’s .45 caliber pistol with three magazines, a mobile phone and other personal belongings.

The suspects were believed to have withdrawn towards the direction of the Nagbalaye River to the sub-village of Kadlum in Nagbalaye, Sta. Catalina, a report reaching Sison said.

Philippine Army troops deployed immediately for hot pursuit operations against the suspects who still remain unidentified as of press time.

Sison said initial investigation pointed to the NPA as possible perpetrators of the gun-slay, as the victim was also being utilized as an asset of the military intelligence.

The 79th IB commander, however, also disclosed other possible motives in the killing of Deliña, to include personal grudge or a land dispute.

Sison said his troops are on heightened alert because of the coming anniversary of the New People’s Army on March 29.

The ambush-slay of Deliña could be part of a larger tactical offensive planned by the NPA to celebrate its anniversary this year, Sison added.  (FREEMAN)