A barangay captain and two kagawads of the remote Brgy. Canlusong in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, who have been actively involved in the environment protection campaign in the Northern Negros Natural Park have sought refuge in the lowlands, following threats on their lives by suspects who had killed their colleague July 25.

This was confirmed yesterday by Mayor David Albert Lacson and SPO4 Leonardo Cobing, officer-in-charge of the EB Magalona Police Station, who have extended help in facilitating the security of the three barangay officials, including barangay chairperson Meriam Porras.

On July 25, Kagawad Rolando Lozada was shot several times by three suspects at his home in Sitio Manyake, Brgy. Canlusong, EB. Magalona.

Cobing said two barangay tanods of Canlusong also received similar threats from the group of armed timber poachers, who may also be behind the killing of Lozada.

Lacson said Lozada had been actively involved in the anti-timber poaching campaign in the area.

Cobing raised the possibility that the suspects in the killing of Lozada, may also be among those behind the ambush of Task Force Ilahas personnel, who were accompanied by Lozada and Canlusong barangay officials and tanods, in the inspection of forest destruction in the place.

About seven hectares of forest were destroyed by the group of armed organized poachers, who reportedly had high-powered firearms in Brgy. Canlusong, EB Magalona.

Lacson said he has already ordered Chief Insp. Samuel Mina, Task Force 3 rd district chief, to secure the barangay officials being threatened by the suspects.

He also said the police already have a breakthrough in their investigation, into the killing of Lozada. But he did not elaborate further.

Senior Supt. Allan Guisihan, provincial police director, said there is now an ongoing operation against the armed poachers.

Guisihan said they are also verifying reports that the suspects behind the killing of Lozada, may have also been involved in the series of robbery-hold-up incidents in the uplands of Silay City and neighboring areas.

A week before the killing of Lozada, three farmers were also abducted by a group of armed men in Brgy. Canlusong, EB Magalona. Their fate remains unknown.*GPB

back to top