AN ARMY trooper working on peace and development initiatives in Barangay Lahug, Tapaz, Capiz was killed by suspected communist terrorists on August 11.
Killed was Corporal Frederic Villasis, member of the 12th Infantry Battalion, who was deployed to conduct Community Support Program activities.
Villasis and some barangay officials of Lahug were reportedly flagged down by members of the New People's Army (NPA) in the afternoon of August 11 while on their way to the Tapaz Municipal Hall to follow up on the community-based projects for Lahug village.
Villasis was singled out and held by the communist terrorists, while his companions were set free. He was later killed execution-style; fatally shot three times from behind while both his hands were tied at the back, said the military.
Villasis left behind a wife and two young children.
Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, vowed that justice will be served.
He said initial investigation has been conducted, and the “Bayanihan” Brigade is determined to not let the sacrifice of Villasis be in vain.
They also called on the people to denounce communist terrorism and condemn the senseless violence.
“Malinaw na walang pagpapahalaga sa buhay ang mga teroristang NPA. Wala silang respeto sa karapatang pantao. Our soldiers are working to give our people a better life, by paving the way for peace and development. Si Corporal Villasis ay isa lamang sa miyembro ng buong Philippine Army na nagsusumikap na magbigay ng serbisyo sa mga komunidad na ilang dekada
nang balot sa kahirapan, dahil salat sa kapayapaan. His murder is nothing but a cowardly act of desperation by the Communist Terrorist Group who have been continuously losing their mass-based support in the island of Panay,” said Sison.
“More than ever, this is the time for all of us in Panay Island to come together to end the local armed conflict. Let us honor his sacrifices and heroism by working with the government in our quest for lasting peace,” he added. (PR/With Leo Solinap)