NPA: We killed Misamis Oriental councilor

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The New People’s Army has claimed responsibility for the death of Opol town Councilor Cecilio Abuhan, who was ambushed on Thursday, August 21.

Ka Allan Juanito, spokesperson of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Command, said in an emailed statement to the media that the operation was conducted at around 4 pm on Thursday, in the village of Bagocboc in Misamis Oriental.

Juanito said Abuhan was killed because of his alleged abuses against communities and his active role in the counter-insurgency drive in the province.

He accused Abuhan of the murder of two people whom he did not name, involvement with cattle rustlers, and allegedly collecting money from mining and logging operations. 

Juanito said the death of Abuhan should serve as further “warning” against politicians who are against the communist movement.

“The death of Anggong hopefully serves as a warning to other local officials in the reactionary government to stop their counter-revolutionary and anti-people activities. They still have the opportunity to change and to prioritize serving their constituents,” Juanito said. 

Last month, NPA snipers killed Impasug-ong town mayor Mario Okinlay in Bukidnon for alleged involvements in counter-insurgency activities. 

The military, however, remains skeptical that the hit on Abuhan was perpetrated by the NPA.

“We are still trying to look at other possible angles. Anyone can just claim that they are NPA. We are doubting it because we have not monitored any presence or movements of the NPA in the area,” said 4th Infantry Division spokesman Major Christian Uy. 

Uy said it is possible that the killing was motivated by personal or political grudges. – Rappler.com