NPA owns up to slay of barangay chief in Negros Oriental

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The New People’s Army's Mount Cansermon Command had claimed responsibility for the killing of Mario Gonzales, barangay chairman of Panciao in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental on August 30.

Rebel spokesperson Juan Malaya, in a press statement, accused Gonzales of being an active intelligence asset of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

Malaya alleged that Gonzales had been reporting activities of civilians suspected to be NPA to the military, since 2012.

Malaya said they were able to confiscate firearms from Gonzales, before his death. He further alleged that Gonzales allowed the military to stay in Panciao barangay for six months, that he had used in his campaign during the election.

The death of Gonzales will serve as a warning to those who are allowing themselves to be used by the military, Malaya added.

Gonzales was the fifth barangay chairman killed in central Negros, including two in Isabela, Negros Occidental, and two in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, since June 12 this year, police and military records show.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade has repeatedly condemned the killing rampage of the NPA in Negros Island.