Captured New Peoples Army Hukbo leader Raul Villar alias Ka Drilon yesterday pleaded not guilty to multiple homicide charges during arraignment before Regional Trial Court Branch 42, Piapi, Dumaguete City. The charges involved the ambush-slay of four municipal employees in Sta. Catalina on May 8, 2002.

In an interview with the DAILY STAR, Villar said he was ordered to commit the crime, not as a civilian, but as a leader then of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade where he was the vice district commander, organizer and intelligent officer.

He also admitted that the order coming from his superiors was really to rob and kill the persons bringing the payroll money.

The loot was shared in "three-thirds," or one share of three parts for the four "hitmen" at that time.

Villar also revealed that the number one threat to his life was a "resbak", or retaliation from his former comrades in the RPA/ABB, for identifying them in the Sta. Catalina incident.

Aside from Julito Amaro, who was killed in an encounter, his brother Jaime Amaro, is still at large after bolting the provincial jail twice, records showed.

Villar said the "Hukumang Bayan" of the NPA, in-charge of cattle rustling and other crimes, had marked Jaime for liquidation.

On the other hand, the NPA in Oriental Negros said it does not have a liquidation squad. The practice, however, is for top officers to choose among the Hukbo members who will execute the order once the decision is final, Villar said.

He said he would not call it a liquidation squad or sparrow unit.

Villar also disclosed that the NPA is strictly enforcing the age limit in their recruitment as they are now hiring members aged 18 years and above, unlike in previous years when most of their recruits were minors.

The massive recruitment was confirmed by Villar, who said he was himself a lecturer. During his capture, lecture books like "Batan-on (youth)" was recovered along with his personal belongings, records revealed.*JG

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