The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the killing of a 29-year-old sugarcane worker whose body was found with gunshot wounds in Brgy. Molobolo, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental.
The victim, identified as alias “Jay,” was found lying face down in Sitio Masaville, according to initial reports.
The victim’s relatives said he had no known enemies.
In a statement dated Nov. 9, JB Regalado, spokesperson of the NPA’s Negros Island Regional Operational Command, said a unit of the Leonardo Panaligan Command carried out the killing on Nov. 8.
The rebel group claimed that the victim was punished for allegedly committing several offenses in his community.
Among the allegations raised by the NPA were sexually abusing animals belonging to residents, including goats, and involvement in the beating and killing of John Vincent Esconde.
The NPA also accused the victim of illegal drug use and causing disturbances in the community.
According to the rebel group, its members had approached the victim in 2022 and urged him to change his behavior, but he allegedly failed to heed their warnings.
The NPA described the killing as a punitive action despite ongoing military operations in the area.
The allegations against the victim were made by the rebel group and have not been independently verified.
Authorities have yet to issue a statement on the NPA’s claim of responsibility for the killing.*
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