Two members of the Citizens’ Armed Forces Geographical Unit died of multiple gunshot wounds in shooting incidents, in Sta. Catalina and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, recently.
Reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the police identified the fatalities as Vicente Deliña, a member of the 12th CAFGU Battalion assigned to the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, based in Siaton, Negros Oriental; and Giovani Dandan, of Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City.
Lt. Col. Marion Sison, commander of the 79th IB, said, Deliña was grazing his horse around 5 a.m. Monday in sitio Tapsaw, Milagrosa in Sta. Catalina, when two unidentified men with high-powered firearms shot him,
Deliña died on the spot from gunshot wounds to his head and face, while the suspects, believed to be members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, fled, bringing with them Deliña’s.45 caliber pistol with three magazines, a mobile phone, and personal belongings, Sison added.
He also said initial investigation pointed to the NPA as the possible perpetrators because the victim was also an asset of the military intelligence. But other motives for the slay may be personal grudges, or a land dispute, he added.
Meanwhile, six men opened fire on Dandan, while he was riding a motorcycle-for-hire or “habal-habal” on his way home to Budlasan, also recently.
Dandan succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the Canlaon District Hospital, the police said.
Investigators recovered two empty shells of a .45 caliber pistol, and one spent shell of 9-millimeter. The police said the suspects could be NPA members.
Sison, meanwhile, said his troops are on heightened alert with the anniversary of the NPA on March 29. He added the ambush-slay of the militiamen could be part of a larger tactical offensive planned by the rebels to celebrate their anniversary.*JFP
back to top |