PNP alleges slain IP leaders in Capiz as NPA members

January 3, 2021

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday accused the nine indigenous people (IP) leaders who were killed in separate operations in Capiz last December 31 were members of the communist terror group.

In a radio interview, Brig. Gens Ildebrandi Usana, PNP spokesperson, said even though they were tribe leaders, witnesses claimed that they were on the side of the rebels.

“We are saying that the communist terrorist already infiltrated the group of indigenous people,” Usana said.

“Even if they say they are tribal leaders, when in fact, the witnesses themselves are the ones saying that they are on the side of the communist terrorist,” he added.

The police spokesperson said operatives from Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) applied for a search warrant in court to conduct the operation after receiving reports that an armed terrorist group was operating in the area.

“From there, we initiated an operation together with the Philippine Army. We’ve seen that as a result, some were also arrested,” Usana said.

Usana said during the implementation of search warrants, someone resisted which resulted in an encounter and the death of the nine IP leaders.

CIDG-Western Visayas operatives conducted a simultaneous service of warrant in Tapaz, Capiz and Calinog, Iloilo which also resulted to the arrest of 17 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

A police officer was also wounded during the operation.

In a Facebook post, local group Pamanggas said the Tumandok IP leaders were non-combatants and unarmed during the operation which was contrary to the claims of the government forces.

Western Visayas chief Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda said the operations were legitimate as these were all covered by search warrants for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives. Ella Dionisio/DMS