A NEWLY-elected barangay official was shot dead allegedly by the New People's Army (NPA) on Wednesday, May 30 in Mahaba village, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.
Captain Al Anthony Pueblas, spokesperson of the 402nd Brigade, said the victim was Edgar Rosal Panisan, 40, the first councilor of barangay Mahaba.
Aside from being a barangay councilor, Pueblas said Panisan was also an active member of the Army's Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu).
A witness supposedly identified the suspect as a "full-time NPA member of the Guerilla Front-21C of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee."
Panisan was killed in front of many people in the barangay’s covered court while attending the village's fiesta celebration.
"For our part, the investigation is already closed because the NPA also admitted having committed the crime," Pueblas said.
"We strongly condemn the CNTs. This criminal act is their treacherous way to show their unreasonable cause. An honorable local official being no. 1 in the latest barangay council election is a manifestation that Kagawad Panisa is loved by the people. CNTs tell all lies and false accusations. We will ensure that justice will be served,” said Lt. Col Gleen Joy Aynera, commanding officer of 29IB.
Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 402nd Brigade, said: "This is plain murder and an attack against the people of Barangay Mahaba, Cabadbaran City. The victim was a duly elected official and was serving well his constituents. The NPA should stop this senseless killing and adhere to the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law."