BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
Hundreds of residents in the town of E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental held a condemnation rally earlier this week, protesting the atrocities committed by insurgents from the New People’s Army (NPA).
The rally was held last Monday during the internment of Barangay Consing Tanod Elmer Ortencio, who was murdered by NPA insurgents after witnessing them burning three backhoes on April 13.
Family, local residents and officials of the Barangay strongly condemned the acts of the rebels.
Representatives of the Youth for Peace Northern Negros Chapter, ACT-CIS, Guardians and other organizations also joined the condemnation rally.
The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion Commander, Liuetenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran expressed his appreciation for their efforts to condemn rebel atrocities.
“This incident is another wake up call to all Negrenses to shun whatever support they have to the NPA. Do not be deceived by their twisted ideology,” Alvaran said.
Commander, Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte of the 303rd Infantry Brigade said the protests showed the people’s awareness of NPA deception, and their support of government efforts to bring peace and development to the locality.
Earlier, the NPA released a statement admitting to the killing of Ortencio.
They also admitted to the burning of the three backhoes owned by Silay City Mayor Mark Golez.
Rebels said that the quarrying operations at the Malogo River caused the heavy flooding in Negros Occidental’s 3rd district.
Golez denied ownership of the backhoes, tagging the NPA as liars.
The Philippine Army and E.B. Magalona Police believe the attack was connected more to extortion activities./PN
