The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of the New People’s Army-Negros Island (AGC-NPA) strongly condemned what it called the “massacre” of their four comrades at Hacienda Builder, Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental, Thursday, September 30.
The encounter between the rebels and the state troopers led to the deaths of Marilyn Badayos, alias Monet, finance officer and former secretary of the Southeast Front; Ronilo Desabille, alias Wowie, propaganda and education officer; Rudy Carbajosa, alias Brod, finance logistics officer; and Rufino Bocaval, alias Simo, taxation and finance member, all North Negros Front remnants.
Ka Juanito Magbanua, AGC-NPA spokesperson, claimed that the storyline of the army was a lie as there was no encounter, according to the accounts of the residents.
“No encounter happened between the AFP/PNP and the NPA and it was not true that a gunfight lasted for almost an hour,” Magbanua said.
He claimed that the state troopers entered the house of their comrades who were “mercilessly shot” in their sleep.
He said their comrades asked the owner of the house to allow them to stay because they were not feeling well so they were considered as “hors de combat” or were not in the capacity to fight when they were shot to death.
He claimed it was a violation of the Geneva Conventions and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo conferred awards to the 16 Masaligan Troopers in a ceremony held at 79IB Headquarters in Brgy Bato, Sagay City for their “gallantry and heroic acts” during the encounter against the rebels believed to be the remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front.
Arevalo lauded the troops for their commitment and dedication to protecting the Negrenses against the rebels.
“Note that we in the higher headquarters do not let your meritorious achievements go unnoticed. We will continue doing this because I believe that people who are appreciated will perform better than expected. Hopefully, this will encourage everyone to perform better and faster,” he said.*