Families of the 43 victims of assassination activities of the New People's Army, yesterday asked the Melo Commission to also investigate the unabated extra-judicial killings in Negros.

Of the 43 cases of extra-judicial killings since 2005 in Negros, 23 are civilians while others used to be members of the rebel movement, members of the breakaway Revolutionary Proletarian Army, militiamen, policemen and soldiers, military records show. Isabela resident Eddie Dava who miraculously survived despite having been shot three times by three rebel hitmen who kidnapped him on Feb. 11 in Brgy. Banwagi, Guihulngan, was among those who gave testimonies on his ordeal before the Commission on Human Rights, and the media at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.

CHR Investigator Vangie Laguardia yesterday assured them of help in seeking justice for the death of their family members .

In a joint statement read by Arlen Dinsay who also has a family member killed by rebels, the group condemned the CPP-NPA for the continued killing of innocent civilians.

They also called on the military to protect them from what they called the "terroristic activities" of the New People's Army.

Human rights group Karapatan has claimed that there are more than 800 extra-judicial killings that they blame on the military.

Police records identified the latest victim of the NPA as Lauro Despues,.who was waylaid and shot dead in front of his son, in Brgy. San Pablo, Manapla last week.

Alab Katipunan secretary general Ben Solilapsi yesterday said they will file complaints before the Commission on Human Rights against leaders of the CPP-NPA in Negros, for harassing their organizers and killing their members in Negros and Iloilo.*GPB

back to top