Rodrigo Catayong was a professor at the Eastern Samar State University and was chairman of the human rights group Katungod-Eastern Samar for several years.
"We are one with the people in mourning the assassination of a well-loved teacher and human rights leader," said Fr. Santiago Salas, NDF-EV spokesperson.
Salas also said that the NDF-EV holds Gen. Rodrigo Maclang, of the 8th Infantry Division, responsible for the murder and for the continuing threats against other individuals.
Col. Joel Cabides, commanding officer of the 801st brigade, based in Hinabangan, Samar, brushed off the accusations of leftist groups, saying their accusers should bring the case to court.
Eastern Visayas regional director Chief Superintendent Eliseo dela Paz said that the PNP is not discounting the possibility that Catayong’s death may be connected to his affiliation with a leftist group.
"It was unfair and baseless for the NDF and other human rights groups to accuse the military or the government," he said.