NPA claims responsibility for Negros ambush

BACOLOD CITY – The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the ambush-slay of seven civilians, including a barangay captain in La Libertad, Negros Oriental last March 9.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesman of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, admitted in a statement that Barangay Captain Lydio Baylon was the target of their attack.

Baylon, he said, was a leader of armed goons and had been liquidation for crimes committed against the people.

The military admitted that Baylon, a former militiaman-turned barangay official, was among their supporters in the fight against insurgents in Negros Oriental.

Brig. Gen. Gregorio Fajardo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that this is another proof that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) is a terrorist group that does not distinguish civilians from combatants.

Regalado, however, said that Baylon was allegedly responsible for killing innocent civilians while he was a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), the torture of suspected NPA members, arson, stealing of animals and an active barangay intelligence network member.

As village chief of Barangay Aya, Baylon used his authority in forcing residents to follow his order, he added. Five other people were also injured in the ambush, police said.

Early this month, the Leonardo Panaligan Command also claimed responsibility for the summary execution of three civilians identified as Rubio Deniega, Nelson Garde and ex-CAFGU member Rudy Azuncion.

During the ambush, Regalado said they have recovered an M-16 rifle with scope, one shotgun and a caliber .45 pistol and assorted ammunition.

"We will be filing multiple murder and frustrated murder charges against Regalado and his group," Negros Oriental police director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said. – Antonieta Lopez