Cafgu member killed, partner spared by suspected rebels

A MEMBER of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxillary (CAA) was killed by suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Batangan, Valencia City, Bukidnon on October 27.

The military identified the victim as Pablo Omblero. He was allegedly killed in front of his live-in partner Elizabeth Dela Torre.

Omblero was off-duty from Lumbayao Patrol Base when the incident happened.

A group of unidentified armed men, onboard two motorcycles, barged into the victim's house and held the couple at gunpoint. The victim was ordered to drive his motorcycle and, together with his partner, went with the suspects.

Upon reaching Barangay Batangan, they were then ordered to kneel. Omblero was shot twice in the head and abdomen.

After the incident, the suspects were still able to drive Dela Torre back home, while Omblero was declared dead on arrival at Adventist Medical Center.

"Cafgu Pablo Oblero was considered a captive when he was forcibly taken by NPA terrorists from his home. According to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), a captive is not a combatant, thus has the right to life and must be treated humanely," the military said.

Brigadier General Edgardo De Leon, 43rd Brigade commander said Omblero was unarmed and off-duty. He also begged for his life.

"The NPA should have respected his rights enshrined by the IHL as he can no longer be considered combatant because he was already captured, disarmed, and therefore has no capacity to fight the armed NPA," De Leon added.

De Leon is set to recommend to the local government of Valencia City to form a fact-finding committee to investigate the killing.

"We also ask the Commission of Human Rights and IHL watchdog Karapatan to join the investigation of this NPA-perpetrated IHL violation," De Leon said.

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