BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) believed the New People’s Army (NPA) was responsible for the murder of Barangay Cambayobo Kagawad Benito Hubahib in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, 79IB commander, said Hubahib had served as witness in a criminal case filed against a captured NPA leader.
Javines was also active and supportive of the government’s anti-insurgency efforts in the area, the commander added.
On Feb. 22, six armed men introduced themselves to Hubahib as policemen. Three entered the victim’s house and asked for the latter’s identification, while three others served as lookouts.
After the victim verified his identity, the suspects allegedly revealed they were only posing as cops then shot Hibahib.
Four empty .45 pistol bullet shells and three 5.56mm spent shells were recovered by responding policemen./PN
