The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People's Army warned that it will disarm and engage in battle armed goons of politicians who coerce voters during election, a statement from the group said.

The NPA said it referred to the ambush on March 9 of "armed goons" of a local politician led by the slain Barangay Captain Lydio Baylon, in La Libertad, Oriental Negros.

It said that Baylon, who was killed with six other civilians, had a standing order for liquidation from the revolutionary government. The NPA statement said that one of the casualties, Rudy Maxilum, also had a warrant of arrest from the reactionary government but was hired as a goon by the local politician.

They identified those also killed as Eden Elud, Nonoy Nataa, Judy Tuble, Nonoy Calepaso and George Nataa. Among the five, one was designated as a tanod to justify her residency while the others were registered as voters of La Libertad, the NPA said.

They came from Zamboanga and Iloilo and were mostly members of the paramilitary force, the statement claimed.

The NPA, speaking through Ka JB Regalado, lambasted what it called the alleged lies being peddled by the military and the politician that the casualties were civilians.

It said, "The M16 armalite with scope and silencer, patented shotgun, .45 caliber pistol, night vision gadgets and other military supplies recovered (from the ambush site) clearly showed they were not simple civilians."

The statement added that, an old woman, who was with the group and was not hit but suffered bruises on her forehead was attended to by an NPA medic for first aid before leaving the ambush site.

The NPA also sent the ID of George Nataa, a CAFGU from Zamboanga del Sur, as evidence.

Regalado added that armed goons have been reorganized and they have a new leader. The NPA is determined to disarm and dismantle any armed goons in its area of operation, he further said.

The statement also advised civilians not to ride in military vehicles or public transport that carry armed soldiers or policemen to avoid being hit during tactical offensives of the NPA.*GCT

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