The New People’s Army- Roselyn Jean Pelle Command claimed the killing of a businessman in Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental, Tuesday, January 2, alleging that he was the ringleader of a gun-for-hire group involved in the Sagay 9 massacre.
The NPA in a statement released Thursday, January 4, claimed the killing of Juvie Sarona, whom they alleged is the leader of the Sarona Group that is backed by the military and police.
On Jan. 2 a group of unidentified suspects killed Sarona outside his house, the police reported earlier.
The NPA said that their unit ambushed Juvie Sarona and burned down a tractor owned by his father.
“Among the many blood debts of the said mercenary armed group is their involvement in what is now known as Sagay 9 Massacre on October 20, 2018 in Barangay Bulanon, Sagay City”, the statement said.
During the January 2 killing the rebels claimed they recovered an M2 carbine with four magazines and 51 bullets, two long and a short M-16 magazines and 76 bullets, a .45 (Colt MK IV) with two magazines and four bullets, a .357 revolver with four bullets, and a homemade shotgun with five bullets.
Identification cards and gadgets with intelligence value were also seized, the NPA claimed.
They also claimed that the Sarona Group was also involved in land grabbing.
The killing of Sarona is part of the guerrilla front’s celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA statement added.*