The reported existence of an armed independent group allegedly linked to rebel-turned Salvador Benedicto Councilor Vicente "Oti" Bacordo, is now being investigated by the military and police.

Col. Jerry Jalandoni, newly-installed 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, admitted that they have received such reports, but also said it is hard to speculate in the absence of any evidence.

A land conflict between families, one of them related to Bacordo, triggered an encounter Thursday between soldiers and a group of armed men in Brgy. Kumaliskis, Salvador Benedicto.

Police chief Leonardo Angcon of Salvador Benedicto town yesterday said he has invited Bacordo to shed light on the allegations against him but had not appeared at the police station up to yesterday.

The alleged existence of an armed independent group cropped up after the military received reports that the RPA in northern Negros has split into two groups, and one faction is identified with Bacordo.

Salvador Benedicto Mayor Cynthia de la Cruz has belied reports that Bacordo was among the alleged armed men who secured a group of people who harvested the sugarcane planted in a property disputed by the families of Corando Abay, and his son, Antonio, in Brgy. Kumaliskis, Salvador Benedicto, with families of Jolly Toledano and Espanola.

The wife of Antonio Abay is a niece of Bacordo.

Angcon confirmed that there was an exchange of fire between soldiers and a group of armed men on Thursday. He, however, said he cannot ascertain what groups they belonged to.

Angcon raised the possibility that those encountered by soldiers of the 11th Infantry Battalion may have been civilians with firearms, and hired by the Abay family.

Jolly Toledano charged the Abay family of harvesting the sugarcane they had planted, while being guarded by a group of armed men allegedly led by Bacordo.*GPB

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