The New People’s Army came to the rescue of Mayor Melecio Yap, by dismissing as “unfounded perceptions” reports that he had something to do with the series of killings in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Ka Marco, acting spokesman of the Communist Party of the Philippines-Negros, said “This was just people’s unfounded perceptions because traditional politics in the (Escalante) city has been so hotly-contested and debated”.

Police records show that almost all extra-judicial killings in Escalante City, since the 2007 elections up to last year, had been claimed by the NPA Roselyn “Ka Jean” Pelle Command.

Families of the victims of the series of killings and peace advocates have written and asked PNP chief Raul Bacalso to conduct thorough and impartial investigations on 16 reported murder cases in Escalante City.

Ironically, the victims were alleged to have been identified with former Mayor Santiago Barcelona, who lost to Yap in the May 2010 elections.

A task force has been formed by Senior Supt. Allan Guisihan, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, to investigate the numerous cases of killings in Escalante.

Meanwhile, Ka Noc-Noc, a spokesperson of the Negros Island Regional Operational Command confirmed in a press conference that NPA hitmen were behind the assassination of PO2 Johnny Urbano, who was also reported to be part of the close-in security personnel of Barcelona in last year election.

Ka Marco justified the killing of Urbano, claiming it was a legitimate punitive operation, being an active intelligence officer. He also accused the slain policeman of having engaged in the illegal drug trade.

As to the involvement in illegal activities of Chief Insp. Noel Mana-ay, Cadiz police chief, he claimed that the data against the police officer was provided by his colleagues in the PNP, and even by Army intelligence operatives.

But Mana-ay is by no means a target, Ka Marco said.

This exposé, he added, is already a warning that he (Mana-ay) must stop whatever he is doing as far as the illegal drug trade is concerned.

Mana-ay vehemently debunked the accusations of the NPA that he is involved in any illegal activities.*GPB

back to top