Solon calls for swift probe for trader, pal killed in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — Abang Lingkod  Rep. Manuel Ko on Monday, July 13, called on the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, and all concerned authorities to conduct a swift, impartial and thorough investigation into the killing of two persons in Barangay Gawahon, Victorias City, Negros Occidental on Friday.

Ko, in a statement, said he is calling on authorities to conduct the investigation “to ensure that the truth is established and that all those responsible are held fully accountable in accordance with the law.”

Ko was referring to the killing of businessman Jerome Seballos, 59,  and his companion, Alex Cunanan, 58. Their bodies were discovered in different spots by Gawahon villagers on Friday morning.

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On Sunday, Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson for the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the New People’s Army operating in Negros, said the Maoist guerrillas were responsible for the twin attacks.

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READ: NPA leader, 18 other rebels slain in Negros

Estrella said their so-called Special Partisan Unit or Sparu meted out the death penalty to Seballos and Cunanan.

The NPA statement said Seballos was killed at around 5 a.m., while Cunanan was executed at around 7 a.m. on Friday at Sitio Singko, Barangay Gawahon.

The group alleged that Seballos, of Barangay Bata, Bacolod City, operated as an active spy for the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

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The rebels also said that Cunanan, a former NPA member, has allegedly turned “traitor” after leaving the armed communist movement.

READ: NPA admits killing 2 alleged gov’t intel assets in Negros Occidental

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“No matter the circumstances or differences that may have existed, violence should never be the answer. Every human life is valuable, and every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and justice under the law,” Ko said.

Ko expressed his condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of Seballos and Cunanan.

“May justice prevail, and may the families of the victims find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” he said.

Ko added that “as a community, let us reject violence and choose peace.”

“Let us uphold respect for one another, strengthen cooperation among our communities, and resolve conflicts through lawful and peaceful means,” he appealed.

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“By working together, we can help prevent similar tragedies and build a safer, more united, and more peaceful Negros Occidental for everyone,” he said. /cb