BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) vowed to bring to justice the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels responsible for killing a resident of La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Dec. 20, 2021.
According to the military, victim Mario Landisa, 53, of Sitio Mantuhod, Barangay Cabacungan was gunned down by four armed men after he refused to give them food and cash.
Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303IBde, commended the courage of the people of La Castellana, particularly those in Barangay Cabacungan, for rising up against the CPP-NPA.
“We will not let this pass. We will bring to account all those behind this despicable act against an innocent civilian amid the destruction brought by super typhoon Odette. The full might of the law will take its course,” Pasaporte said.
He thanked the residents for providing information in seeking justice for the victim.
Based on initial investigation, the rebels demanded rice and money from Landisa, who refused because he also needed to provide for his family.
Pasaporte said the incident showed that the fight against the CPP-NPA no longer just involves the security forces.
“It is a fight of the entire people in Negros Island. The CPP-NPA does not value life. They do not have a conscience,” he added.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973. (PNA)
