NPA exec among massacre suspects

THE head of the New People’s Army (NPA) Regional Operations Command (ROC) is among the 50 others who will face charges in the killing of a police officer and eight civilians during an ambush last Sunday.

Major General Jose Mabanta, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, identified the NPA head as Romeo Nanta, who was also involved in the said ambush in Barangay Puso, La Castellana, Negros Occidental last January 27.

Nanta is suspected to have been involved in planning the La Castellana ambush, Mabanta said.

"Nanta has benefited from our judicial system and was given a chance to live a peaceful life. However, he rejoined his group in the NPA after posting bail,” Mabanta added.

“We call on the KARAPATAN group to bring him out and face charges and help the victims attain justice that is due to them,” Mabanta stated in an emailed statement to local media outfits here.

Nanta was arrested last November 7, 2011 in Cadiz City by virtue of arrest warrants for rebellion, robbery in band, attempted and frustrated murder.

Based on military and police records, Nanta was responsible for the ambush of a government vehicle last July 13, 2009 that claimed the lives of three civilians, including a 14-year-old student in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental.

He was bailed out on February 21, 2012 by Fred Cana of KARAPATAN-Negros for P100,000.00 in his robbery-in-band case.

“KARAPATAN should also be held liable for the release of a suspect,” said Mabanta, adding that “Their actions have led to this La Castellana ambush,” he further said.