The Commission on Human Rights is investigating the execution of seven people allegedly by the New People’s Army (NPA) in three towns and one city in northern Negros Occidental this year.
But the number of persons executed by the rebels in Negros Occidental in 2025 could be higher than seven based on claims made by the NPA in separate press statements.
They are investigating the killing of seven people in Toboso, Calatrava, EB Magalona and Victorias City, Vincent Parra, Investigation Division Chief of the CHR – Negros Island Region, said on Thursday, July 3.
He said they are validating reports that they were executed by the NPA for being alleged “military spies”.
Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco said within a week there were four killings in his town, which were owned by the NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle Command.
Jaojoco called for an end to the killings.
Col. Rainerio de Chavez, Negros Occidental PNP Director, on Thursday condemned the “brutal killings perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP/NPA) in the municipalities of Calatrava and Toboso”.
“These heinous acts are nothing more than desperate attempts by this terrorist group to gain attention from the government, sow fear among innocent civilians, and reassert their presence in areas where they have already suffered tremendous losses,” he said.
By targeting communities through intimidation and violence, they seek to revive their extortion schemes and disrupt the lives of peaceful residents, de Chavez said.
“We assure the public that intensified investigations are currently underway to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these cowardly attacks,” he said.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and local government units, is strengthening its counter-insurgency operations, enhancing intelligence efforts, and deploying more personnel in affected areas, he said.
“We urge all residents to stand against violence, stop supporting these lawless elements and report any sightings or suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” he said.
“Your cooperation is vital in ensuring that these threats are neutralized swiftly,” de Chavez added.
Despite these isolated incidents, the Negros Occidental Police remains in full control of the peace and order situation in the province, he said.
“We will not allow terror and violence to define our communities. Together, with an empowered citizenry, we will continue to uphold the rule of law and protect the safety and well-being of every Negrense,” he said.
The NPA in separate press statements claimed the killing of Efren Solinap in Brgy Consing, E.B. Magalona, on March 11, Rickne Daipal in Brgy General Luna, Toboso on April 15, Jury Gani of Brgy Tabun-ac, Toboso on May 14, Tolindoy Nepalar in Calatrava on June 18, Elias Palay and Putot Alsado in Brgy San Isidro, Toboso, on June 22, Jesmer Pacunla in Brgy Carabalan, Himamaylan City on June 24, Isagani Imalay in Brgy Bandila, Toboso on June 26, and Enrique Virtucio in Brgy General Luna, Toboso, on July 1,
“Spies or intelligence assets are legitimate targets of the NPA being an integral part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) fascist war machinery”, the NPA said earlier.*