5 slain in NPA’s EJKs

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .

LIKE anti-drug vigilantes, the rebels served as the accusers, judges and executioners, all at the same time — and none of their victims were given the chance to defend themselves in their so-called “people’s court.”

The New People’s Army (NPA) has admitted to judging and killing five people in Bukidnon for aiding the military and for their alleged crimes.

In a Sept. 6 statement, NPA spokesperson for northcentral Mindanao Malem Mabini said what the rebels did was impose “punitive actions” against the five men whom he called “notorious criminals, leaders of paramilitary group Alamara, and ‘assets’ of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Bukidnon” after they were supposedly judged by a “people’s court.”

Those killed were Alamara leader Elberto Pangkat, retired Lt. Arthuro Salvador a.k.a. Badong, tribal chieftain Mesyo Mantikinon, and brothers Dagtol Dalangin and Malmal Dalangin.

Except for Malmal, the victims were said to have been “killed in action” or after they fought back.

Mabini said the NPA has taken upon itself the task of administering justice due to the country’s “rotten justice system.” He said it was the revolutionary movement’s obligation to the people.

He said, “… the revolutionary movement, especially the people, are acquainted that the perpetrators of these war crimes will never be punished by the state. In contrary, they will rather enjoy their immunity and protection from the armed forces so they could always instigate their acts of putting the people’s life and livelihood at stake.”

First to be killed was Salvador in Sinanglanan, Malaybalay, Bukidnon this June 27. Mabini said the rebels’ plan was to “arrest” the ex-soldier, supposedly armed with a caliber .45 pistol, who was riding a motorcycle but he allegedly fired shots at guerrillas who  stopped him.

The 58-year-old Salvador used to head the military intelligence battalion in Bukidnon in the ’90s. According to Mabini, it was Salvador who ordered the beheading of two rebels identified only as Ka Joy and Ka Sanag in Sityo Umayam, Cabanglasan town in 1999, and was instrumental in establishing the Alamara paramilitary group that has allegedly harassed and killed rebel supporters in the town.

He accused the former soldier of masterminding the killings of several civilians such as Gino Tiyo in 2012, and Lito Gaa in 2013.

Mabini alleged that Salvador “fomented the growing and protected the existence of marijuana” plantations in Cabanglasan and Agusan.

Mabini did not present evidence to corroborate his serious accusations against Salvador.

Next to be killed by rebels was Mantikinon in Sitio Balakayo, Namnam in San Fernando town in  Aug. 7.

Mabini said Mantikinon, a datu, served as an informer of the 88th Infantry Battalion in a campaign that adversely affected indigenes who were pressured into admitting that they were eighter NPA supporters and members.

Without showing proof, Mabini alleged that Mantikinon robbed and killed 23-year-old Namawon Balagbag in Sil-angon, Magkalungay, San Fernando in 2014. He alleged that Balagbag was drowned in the Balakayo River and was buried in a shallow grave all for P8,000 in cash.

Mabini alleged that the Dalangin brothers were bandits who were linked to killings, rape, robbery, theft, land grabbing, and extortion, and who helped the military in carrying out anti-NPA activities.

Dagtol was killed in Aug. 7 while he put up a fight while his brother Malmal was attacked the following day.

Mabini said rebels subsequently killed Pangkat, a former barangay chairman of Santa Filomena in Quezon town who allegedly served as another military “asset”  and leader of the Alamara paramilitary group.

He accused Pangkat in making claims on farms that were tilled by farmers in Quezon, and who pressured villagers into confessing that they were rebels who suposedly wanted to surrender.

Mabini said rebels positioned at Pangkat’s house at Pag-asa, Campo Salawagan, Quezon in the evening of Sept. 1, and he allegedly fought back along with his followers. He said, “Pangkat was killed in action.”