Suspected New People's Army hitmen kidnapped and attempted to liquidate a civilian who has been very vocal against the atrocities of insurgents in Brgy. Banwagi, Guihulngan, which is near the boundary of Brgy. Sikatuna, Isabela, at about 11 a.m. Sunday.

Lt. Col. Jess Manangquil 11th Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday said Eddie Dava, 42, was abducted by three rebel hitmen, armed with .45 caliber pistols and a .357 magnum revolver.

The attempt on Dava came about a week after suspected rebel hitmen also gunned down an unarmed CAFGU member, Rudy Azuncion, in Brgy. Sikatuna-Luz, Guihulgan, military records show.

Manangquil said Dava who was brought by his abductors at gunpoint to Sitio Caninag in Brgy. Banwagi, Guihulngan, was subjected to interrogation before he was shot twice and dumped in a creek. Despite two bullet wounds in his right knee and left ear, Manangquil said Dava was found alive the next day by barangay officials who immediately brought him to the Sikatuna-Luz Primary Hospital in Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Manangquil said the insurgents are resorting to "terror tactics" by targeting civilians and unarmed militiamen, because they have failed to conduct successful raids or ambushes against government installations or troopers.

Manangquil reiterated his advice to militiamen and soldiers to be extra vigilant against terroristic activities of the New People's Army in central Negros.*GPB

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