The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division on Friday, January 5, condemned the killing of a businessman in Toboso, Negros Occidental, by the New People’s Army.
The 3ID, in its statement, denounced and condemned the killing of businessman Juvie Sarona in Purok Kawayanan, Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso on January 2, and encouraged the victim’s family to file a complaint against the NPA for violating the International Humanitarian Law.
On January 4 the NPA released a statement claiming the killing of Sarona, whom they alleged to be the ringleader of Sarona gun-for-hire group, which perpetrated the Sagay 9 massacre.
However, the Army said that Sarona was a “simple farmer and businessman engaged in buying and selling of sugarcane trucks, and was known for his strong support to government peace and development initiatives and collaboration with the military and police in the anti-communist campaign”.
The military added that Sarona even employs former rebels in his furniture shop and other business ventures to help them return to mainstream society and live peaceful lives with their families.
While the Toboso Police has yet to establish the motive behind the killing, the 3ID assured the family of their support in seeking justice for the death of Sarona as relentless operations will be launched to apprehend the perpetrators.*