The police clarified that the killing of a 54-year-old man earlier claimed by the New People’s Army (NPA) did not occur in Isabela, Negros Occidental, but within the territorial jurisdiction of neighboring Binalbagan.
In a report released Monday, June 22, the Isabela Municipal Police Station said it coordinated with barangay officials to verify information circulating on social media regarding the fatal shooting of Henry Pracio, a resident of Sitio Patuyo, Brgy. Makilignit, Isabela.
According to the barangay official, the river traversing Sitio Patuyo serves as the boundary between Brgy. Makilignit in Isabela and Brgy. Amontay in Binalbagan.
While Pracio was a registered voter of Brgy. Makilignit, police said both his residence and the actual location of the incident are geographically situated within the territorial jurisdiction of Brgy. Amontay, Binalbagan.
The clarification came days after the Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army claimed responsibility for Pracio’s killing, alleging that he was executed on June 16 for alleged abuses.
Police said the barangay chairman disclosed that the victim’s family was informed of the incident shortly after it happened but allegedly chose not to immediately report the matter to authorities due to safety concerns.
The family instead proceeded with the immediate burial of the victim’s remains.
Upon learning that the incident occurred within Binalbagan’s jurisdiction, the Isabela police coordinated with the Binalbagan Municipal Police Station and relayed all available information for appropriate action.
At around 8:30 p.m. on June 21, the duty investigator of Binalbagan MPS proceeded to Isabela to interview the barangay chairman and gather additional details regarding the case.
Police said further investigation and validation are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible for the filing of appropriate charges.
The NPA earlier claimed responsibility for the fatal shooting.*
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