KABANKALAN CITY, Negros Occidental – A civilian was brutally murdered by terrorist NPAs at Sitio Camandag, Brgy Carol-an, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental at around 5 o’clock in the afternoon, January 29, 2019 (Tuesday).
The victim was identified as Mr. Cornilio Morales, married, a resident and a tanod of the said barangay. He was shot on his head and on the different parts of his body using unknown caliber firearms.
Prior to the shooting, the victim was at the waiting shed together with his daughter and other locals when 6 armed NPAs forcibly grabbed Morales while the others were instructed to lie down on the ground. According to civilian witnesses, one of the perpetrators shouted and said, “Pasensya na, napag-utusan lang”, then cold-bloodedly shot the victim in front of his daughter.
Other witnesses also said that the one who shot the victim looks like a minor.
The civilian witnesses recognized the criminals as members of the NPA and were further confirmed when pictures of the NPA from military files were shown to them.
“I condemn this criminal and barbaric act of the NPA against an unarmed civilian. This is a clear violation of Article 4.4 Part IV of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which states that civilians together with their property shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property shall not be the object of attack”, said Lieutenant Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, Commanding Officer of 62nd Infantry Battalion.
Lieutenant Colonel Dacoscos further calls for the support of the people to stop NPA atrocities and human rights violations, by reporting any information on their activities and whereabouts. | Press Release from 62IB
