Suspected rebels kill former social welfare exec

By BEN SERRANO
Correspondent

 AGUSAN del Sur–The capitol yesterday condemned the killing of the province’s former social welfare chief by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) early this week.

Authorities identified the victim as Josefina Bajade, former chief of the provincial social welfare and development office. Bajade had also served as provincial jail warden.

Bajade was snatched by suspected rebels on Sunday afternoon, and then shot to the heart.

Agusan del Sur Vice Gov. Santi Cane said he and other provincial officials strongly condemn the gruesome killing.

Montevista, Compostela Valley chief of police  Senior Insp. Rocky John Dalida said the abduction of Bajade took place in Barangay San Isidro, Monkayo town, Compostela Valley.

He said four armed men, suspected to be NPA rebels, flagged down the vehicle of the victim who was accompanied by her son and a driver.

Dalida said the suspects tied up Bajade’s companions, left them while they took Bajade to Sitio Kahayag, Barangay Prosperidad, Montevista town where she was executed.

Bajade’s son Ian Louie, a municipal administrator of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, said his mother had received many text messages and calls on Sunday.

He said Bajade’s assistance was sought because a group of NPA rebels was supposed to surrender to her on the same day.

Ian said he was shocked when she learned eight hours later that her mother was abducted and brought to Barangay San Isidro, Monkayo town. He said his mother was found hog-tied.