BACOLOD CITY – Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of the Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), has expressed deep concern over the recent killings of civilians by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental.

EDRALIN (FB)
Edralin condemned the series of recent killings and said that these acts of violence are not only abhorrent but also a gross violation of human rights and the principles of humanity.
Since April, eight civilians accused of being military assets have been killed by NPA rebels in various parts of the province.
These killings were reported in the towns of Calatrava, Binalbagan, La Castellana, and Moises Padilla, and the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay.
“Let us stand united against violence,” Edralin said, as he called on the people to report the presence of NPA rebels in their community and let their voices resonate in demanding an end to the senseless killings of innocent civilians.
Edralin said that such acts of violence only serve to deepen the cycle of fear, mistrust, and hostility in society, further dividing and tearing apart the community.
“It is distressing to learn that innocent men, women, and children have fallen victim to these senseless acts, causing immeasurable pain and suffering to their families and communities,” he added.
Edralin said that perpetrators of such heinous crimes must be held accountable and brought to justice to ensure that these innocent lives have not been lost in vain.
He strongly urged NPA remnants and all armed groups involved to immediately cease these indiscriminate acts of violence and instead engage in peaceful means to address their grievances.
The lives and well-being of innocent civilians must be protected and respected at all costs, Edralin said.