NPA killings in Negros, Reds’ leverage in talks
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The series of killings in Negros island, as claimed by the New People’s Army, has been described by a military general as a posturing to gain leverage in the anticipated resumption of peace talks
The police suspected that the recent killings of three civilians — including retired military and police personnel in Isabela town of Negros Occidental — have been perpetrated by the NPA, after one of the suspects was also behind the attempted killing of a member of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team last month in nearby town of Moises Padilla.
A suspected NPA hitman identified as George Ylanan was also killed, while another one was arrested Sunday in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, following their failed attempt to kill CAFGU member Geresola, according to Chief Inspector Gary Alan Resuma, Cauayan Police chief.
Brigadier General Eliezer Losanes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, disclosed that the NPA want to project that they are still a force to reckon with to gain leverage in the proposed resumption of peace talks.
The NPA issued a series of statements claiming responsibility in the killing of five civilians they alleged as military informants in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, and Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, respectively.
Losanes advised the potential targets of the NPA to be extra careful, as they are anticipating an increase in rebel activity.
The Philippine Army earlier admitted a slight increase in strength of the NPA in Negros, following the deployment of two Army battalions from Negros to Mindanao. As of this time, only the 15th Infantry Battalion has been returned to Negros.
Losanes said they have been preparing for an upsurge of rebel atrocities, as he pointed out that conditions of President Rodrigo Duterte for the resumption of peace talks are no violence and extortion activities by the rebels.
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