No more violence and killings.

That was the plea yesterday of barangay captain Merriam Porras to members of warring families in Brgy. Canlusong, EB Magalona, where suspects did not even spare the innocent.

While they welcomed the establishment of a detachment in the barangay, Porras said she is calling on officials to exert more efforts in addressing the peace and order problem.

The Commission on Human Rights also urged both the Philippine National Police and the Army to immediately put an end to the series of violent incidents, that has been going on since last year.

An independent armed group, and alleged members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, have been linked to the killings and kidnapping of three barangay residents, but the rebel group has vehemently denied this.

The unending feuds between warring families continued on Feb. 19 with the burning of three houses owned by the families of suspects in the series of killings in Brgy. Canlusong.

On the same day, a certain Rogelio Seva,55, who was reported by the an uncle of murder suspect Mama Seva, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in Hacienda Loreto, Brgy. 13, Victorias City.

Supt. Alexander Munoz, Victorias police chief, said they already have a lead as to the suspects in the case.

Munoz, however, said the lone witness is afraid to issue a statement, although he knew the suspects.

Police investigators who responded to the shooting of Seva recovered a spent shell and a bullet of a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.

The burned houses in Sitio Manyake, Brgy. Canlusong, EB Magalona, were owned by Amenardo Seva, grandfather of Mama Seva,Julie Devero, and his son, Melvin.

Julie and two other farmers identified as Michael Celeste and Gerald Alabe were abducted in June last year by a group of unidentified armed men. Their fate remains unknown until now.

Porras said owners of the burned houses have already evacuated from Sitio Manyake, and have sought refuge with their relatives in the lowlands.

The killing of Seva is suspected to be linked to the conflict among warring families in Brgy. Canlusong,

Six persons, including three barangay kagawads, were among the victims of killings in the remote barangays of EB Magalona from June to December last year.

Ironically, the killings in Brgy. Canlusong has reportedly halted the rampant timber-poaching activities, that allegedly involved residents of the barangay.* GPB

back to top