THE military has condemned the killing of a tribal leader in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon on Saturday, January 4, and accused the New People's Army (NPA) of masterminding it.

Police identified the victim as Datu Sammy Diwangan, 45, an Indigenous Peoples (IP) representative of barangay Canangaan who sustained a gunshot wound on his forehead and multiple gunshot wounds on his body.

Investigation revealed that the victim, along with his son, was traversing the forested part of the area when they were stopped by four gunmen believed to be NPA rebels. The rebels then shot Diwangan multiple times.

Diwangan's son managed to escape.

The military said Diwangan was known in the community as an anti-NPA tribal leader. According to former rebels, Diwangan was included in the kill list of the rebel group.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, said Diwangan's murder is a violation of the ceasefire between the government and the communist rebels.

"We condemn this barbaric act of the NPAs against a helpless civilian who works for his family and community, this act is a clear manifestation of their evolution into a terrorist organization," Illana said.