The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental yesterday passed a resolution strongly condemning the recent killing of two policemen in Brgy. Mabini, Escalante City.

Board Member Francis Gerald Tuvilla, SP Committee on Public Safety chairperson, yesterday said the liquidation method employed by the assailants of the two policemen was inhuman and merciless.

PO1 Albert Escala, 27, and PO1 Melvin Villacampa, 23, members of the Escalante police and 602nd Regional Mobile Group, respectively, were assassinated by four suspected NPA hitmen while they were securing a benefit dance in Brgy. Mabini, Escalante City, on May 20.

Police investigations showed that Escala and Villacampa each sustained four gunshot wounds in the different parts of their bodies, including fatal injuries on their heads. The Commission on Human Rights is also conducting its own investigation into the assassination of Villacampa and Escala.

CHR Investigator Enrique Barraca yesterday said they are looking for eyewitnesses who may help authorities in identifying and prosecuting the alleged NPA assassins.

On March 19, the police outpost in Brgy. Malasibog in Escalante was also raided by insurgents who carted away nine firearms from policemen and paramilitary troopers, without firing a single shot.

Senior Supt. Charles Calima, provincial police director, said Escala and Villacampa could have been "targets of opportunity" by assassins of the NPA.

On motion of Tuvilla, the SP also passed a similar resolution extending its sympathy to the families of Escala and Villacampa, adding "both policemen are best remembered for their exemplary dedication in serving the people of Escalante".*GPB

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