The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) condemned the New People's Army (NPA) for the killing of a 74-year-old grandmother whom the communist insurgents reportedly tagged as a spy in Negros.

In a statement Saturday night, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. called the killing of Leonora "Leonor" Anguit, a clear case of "spy-tagging" turned into summary execution, a pattern which the NPA uses to terrorize civilian communities in Negros.

“Leonor was branded a ‘spy’ and killed. Spy-tagging is not just a label—it is a death sentence," he said.

Initial reports said Anguit's attackers openly identified themselves as members of the NPA, deliberately searched for Anguit, isolated her, and shot her at close range.

“This method is familiar and horrifying. Accuse without proof, threaten without mercy, and kill without due process,” Torres said.

He said Anguit’s supposed “crime” stemmed from NPA elements having previously used her property and later suffering losses in encounters with government forces.

“Instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, they turned their anger on an elderly civilian. Suspicion became a death warrant," Torres said.

He added that Anguit’s murder fits a documented pattern of systematic spy-tagging and liquidation in Negros.

From early to late last year alone, civilians—farmers, laborers, tricycle drivers, barangay officials, forest guards, vendors, and community leaders—were killed after being labeled “informants.”

Among the victims cited by NTF-ELCAC are Elberto Ancero Lubon, Cirilo Llena, Efren Solinap, Jonhee Montoya, Rickne Daipal, Jury Gane, Leonardo Nepalar, Jobert Alsado, Elias Palay, Jesmar Pacunla, Isagani Imalay, Enrique Bertucio, Jonestly Vallente Sr., Jessie Tinggab, Johnny Boy dela Fuente, Jerry Emia, Joshua Rabor, Anecito Mahinay, Danny “Gamay” Francisco, Maricel Pantajo, Ariel Calumboy, Joamie Peralta, Danilo Inglatera, Emong Kantala, and Michael Robel—all civilians executed after being branded as informants.

“These killings were even claimed by NPA units and formations. That shows intent—and a disturbing pride in targeting unarmed people. This is not (a) revolution. It is terror,” Torres said.

The NTF-ELCAC urged swift, coordinated action to prevent further deaths:

-- Philippine National Police to intensify manhunts, evidence-gathering, and case build-up to ensure arrests and strong prosecutions;

-- Department of Justice to fast-track inquests and prosecutions, prioritizing cases of summary execution and armed intimidation;

-- Armed Forces of the Philippines and intelligence units to strengthen focused operations against armed groups conducting “liquidations,” especially in threatened barangays;

-- Local government units and barangay councils to activate community protection mechanisms, establish safe reporting channels, and coordinate immediate security for residents under threat;

-- Expanded access to witness protection, emergency shelter, psychosocial support, and assistance for bereaved families.

“We urge citizens to report threats, harassment, or so-called ‘trials’ being conducted in communities. Silence is dangerous. Silence gives killers time," the NTF-ELCAC official said.