An alleged member of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan is in hiding after allegedly being included among the four persons charged for the Jan. 26 assassination of Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade leader Rogelio Magbato alias Ka Malvar in Mabinay, Oriental Negros.

Roy Danieles, Bayan-Negros Oriental secretary general, confirmed that Michael Nuico, of Sta. Catalina town, disappeared after learning of the alleged charges against him, a certain Eddie Amper, and two others named only as John Does.

Nuico is the provincial coordinator of the League of Filipino Students.

Danieles said implicating leaders of progressive groups in the underground movement is part of the government campaign to dismantle militant groups. He added, however, that the government and its military and police intelligence will not succeed in silencing them by harassment and even imprisonment.

He said that they will continue defending the interest of majority of the people. The Boy Gatmaitan Command of the New People's Army has claimed responsibility for the Jan. 26 assassination.

Ka Bayani Obrero, group spokesman, claimed Malvar was punished for the alleged rape-slay of a minor, land grabbing, extortion activities, and active participation in the counter-insurgency campaign of the military.

Two other Civilian Volunteers Organization members, Rogelio Maylan and Joel Mahusay, were killed in the attack.

Malvar was the third RPA leader to be assassinated by NPA hitmen since 2003. The two other breakaway faction leaders killed in previous years were Arturo Tabara and Daniel Batoy, alias Ka Mokong.*RG

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