NPA admits killing Bukidnon mayor

MANILA, Philippines - The New People’s Army (NPA) has owned up to last week’s killing of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon Mayor Mario Okinlay, saying he was punished for supporting the government’s counterinsurgency efforts.

Alan Juanito, spokesman of NPA forces in North Central Mindanao, alleged that Okinlay was a “local tyrant” who had allowed military troops to live among civilians, occupy public buildings in a number of barrios, and put up checkpoints wherever they saw fit.

“Okinlay’s death is grieved by the oppressors and exploiters like him. On the other hand, for his many poor victims, justice has finally been served,” Juanito said in a statement released over the weekend.

A convoy led by Okinlay was waylaid by the insurgents last week a few kilometers away from Barangay Bontongon in Impasug-ong town. 

The ambush happened after the mayor’s group delivered basic services like free medical and dental services, livelihood projects, food distribution, and animal deworming in the village.

Officials have condemned the NPA for targeting a civilian convoy involved in development projects and have vowed to file charges against those behind the attack. They also described Okinlay as “a good leader, father, and brother” of his town.