Abang Lingkod Rep. Manuel “Manman” Ko on Monday, July 13, called on the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, and all concerned authorities to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation into the killing of two persons in Barangay Gawahon, Victorias, on Friday.
Ko, in a statement posted on the Abang Lingkod Facebook page, said he is calling on authorities to conduct the investigation “to ensure that the truth is established and that all those responsible are held fully accountable in accordance with the law.”
Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson for the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command-New People’s Army (RJPC-NPA), said in a statement on Sunday, July 12, that their Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) meted out the “death penalty” to Jerome Seballos and Alex Cunanan.
The NPA statement said Seballos was killed at around 5 a.m., while Cunanan was executed at approximately 7 a.m. on Friday at Sitio Singko, Barangay Gawahon.
The group alleged that Seballos, 59, of Barangay Bata, Bacolod City, operated as an active spy for the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).
Cunanan, 58, was allegedly a former NPA member who left the movement and turned “traitor”, it added.
“No matter the circumstances or differences that may have existed, violence should never be the answer. Every human life is valuable, and every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and justice under the law,” Ko said.
Ko expressed his condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of Seballos and Cunanan.
“May justice prevail, and may the families of the victims find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” he said.
Ko added that “as a community, let us reject violence and choose peace. Let us uphold respect for one another, strengthen cooperation among our communities, and resolve conflicts through lawful and peaceful means.”
“By working together, we can help prevent similar tragedies and build a safer, more united, and more peaceful Negros Occidental for everyone,” he said.*
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