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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Negros Island police condemn murder of former village dad

Negros Island police condemn murder of former village dad

Published Sep 4, 2025 02:02 pm
A 54-year-old former barangay councilor was gunned down by communist rebels outside his home in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, Sept. 3. (PRO-NIR)
A 54-year-old former barangay councilor was gunned down by communist rebels outside his home in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, Sept. 3. (PRO-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY - The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) condemned the murder of a former barangay councilor in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, denounced Thursday, Sept. 4, the “cowardly act of violence” from the New People’s Army.
Malong said the victim Pablo was described by his neighbors as a good and peace-loving individual with no derogatory record in the community. He was a respected public servant who once dedicated himself to the welfare of his barangay, Malong added.
His untimely death has deeply affected his family, friends, and constituents, the PRO-NIR added.
Pablo was shot outside his home by a man who pretended to be looking for a missing carabao in the area.
Police later identified the gunman and two other suspects through the e-rogue system. The NPA claimed the attack and killed him for being a military asset.
The Philippine Army denied the allegation, saying they do not maintain military assets, and this act was a pure manifestation of the rebels’ barbarism.
Witnesses have provided sworn statements subscribed before a prosecutor in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, according to the police. A case of murder will be filed on Monday, pending the release of the post-mortem and ballistic examination results from the Crime Laboratory.
PRO-NIR assured the victim’s family and the public that justice will be relentlessly pursued. “We call on all Negrenses to unite with the authorities in putting an end to the atrocities committed by the New People’s Army.”
Police are also probing the murder of a 35-year-old farmer in Sitio Vergara, Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental on Thursday morning, Sept. 4.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim, Bemboy, was driving his motorcycle after bringing his son to school, when he was shot and killed by two armed men.
Recovered from the crime scene were six empty bullet shells.
Malong said that all angles are being pursued on these two cases and they are in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, has ordered the formation of special investigation teams to probe the series of killings. They will be composed of personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and intelligence units from the Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor police.
“This is a coordinated effort to ensure a thorough investigation and to identify those responsible,” Ibay said.
The NPA has claimed responsibility for multiple killings in Negros Occidental between March and July this year, particularly in the towns of E.B. Magalona, Toboso, and Calatrava.
Ibay said that there have been developments in investigations but acknowledged that solving these cases will take time.
“This won’t be resolved overnight, but we assure the public that we are conducting thorough investigations. We are not leaving any stone unturned,” he said. “We are committed to delivering justice to the victims’ families,” he added. “Ibibigay po natin ang hustisya para sa mga pamilya ng mga namatay.”
Police are closely working with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) which is conducting a parallel investigation.
The 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) said that focused military operation is ongoing in northern Negros and will continue to pursue remaining communist rebels.

Related Tags

Murder Deaths Crime NPA PRO-NIR Manapla Negros Occidental
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