The people of Barangay Aya, La Libertad, turned out in full force Thursday for the funeral of their slain barangay captain Eladio "Lydio" Baylon, who, along with six others, was killed in an ambush March 9 in Sitio Manluminsag, Brgy. Mandapaton in the town.

Even La Libertad Mayor Josy Limkaichong was driven to tears as she paid her last respects. There was not a single dry eye in the highly emotional funeral. Baylon was not only Limkaichong's trusted political supporter, he was popular with the people.

It was this popularity with the masses that earned him the ire of the New People's Army. Last week, pieces of paper with what appeared to be the NPA letterhead and logo were circulated in the first district of Negros Oriental signed by a certain Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the NPA's Leonardo Panaligan Command-Larangan Gerilya 1.

The spokesman said that Baylon, aside from being a target for the NPA's tactical offensive, was also already meted the death sentence or penalty by the rebel group's Peoples' Court due to several "offenses" dating back from the 1980's up to the present.

The rebel group enumerated the late Baylon's offenses which said includes killing of innocent civilians when he was still then active as member of the CAFGU.

He was also accused of torturing those who are suspected to be members of the New People's Army, house burning, stealing domesticated animals and also of his being active in the Barangay Intelligience Network and other offenses of what they called as "anti-revolutionary acts".

The NPA leader said that Baylon abused his authority as villagers who would not follow his wishes were told to get out of his barangay.

But UCCP Pastor Jonathan Bacani refuted the claim of the NPA. "Barangay Captain Baylon was well-loved by the people. He has helped put up several churches in the hinterlands and was a great church leader. He will be missed but his memory will live among us all."*AP

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