‘No kill list’ PNP, AFP allay fears in Canlaon

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities have assured residents of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental that there is no “kill list” following the death of 14 alleged members of New People’s Army (NPA).

“The PNP and AFP assure them (residents) that there is no such list existed,” read the statement of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7).

PRO-7 also asked the residents to detach themselves from dubious organizations in order not to be a target of police and military operations.

The regional office made the statement after residents voiced out their fear of being targets of police operations.

The residents also aired their grievances over the delay in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.

They said they were visited by individuals who identified themselves as members of militant human rights group Karapatan and women’s group Gabriela, advising them to turn arms against the government if it further delays the land distribution.

They added that none of them have links with NPA.

The residents shared their sentiments during the dialogue and medical mission in Canlaon over the weekend.

Police Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas, PRO-7 director, urged communities in Negros Oriental to cooperate with authorities to help stop insurgency.

“It is very important that you are not only aware of the programs of the government but also you understand what is the truth or not so that you will not be deceived and exploited by the communist organizations and join the NPA,” he said.

On the other hand, sought for comment on allegation that the killing of 14 alleged NPA members during PRO-7’s anti-criminality drive was a “summary killing,” Police General Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief, dismissed it as a mere propaganda.

“Sabi ko nga propaganda iyan basta may masabi lang.  They took advantage of anything dito for their own advantage sana huwag mabulag yung ating mga  kababayan dito,” he said.

As for the medical mission, 637 residents from eight barangays of Canlaon availed of the free services, including, medical and dental consultations, minor surgeries, vaccination, massage, and haircut, among others.

Government agencies, such as PRO-7, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coastguard, Department of Interior and Local Government-7, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7, took park in the medical mission dubbed as Oplan Minas Tirith. (FREEMAN)