Armed men killed a civilian and a police officer in two separate attacks in Calatrava town, Negros Occidental, within three hours on Sunday, December 7.
Police said the first attack happened at 7:50am in Sitio Tagda, Barangay Dolis, where six armed men shot a 58-year-old man twice in the head while he was preparing for church. The suspects fled toward the upland area, they said.
At 10:50am, authorities believe the same group allegedly opened fire on members of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st NOCPMFC) in Barangay Menchaca as they were en route to serve a warrant of arrest.
The police officers dispersed, and Police Senior Master Sergeant Rommel Aguilar of the 3rd Maneuver Platoon went missing during what they described as an encounter.
By 12:30pm, police received a report that armed men shot a man who had sought help in Purok 5, Barangay Laga-an.
Responders later confirmed the victim was Aguilar.
Killings condemned
Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay condemned the attacks and ordered a manhunt for the assailants.
He also extended his condolences to the family of the slain police officer.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of PSMS Aguilar—a brave police officer, a committed public servant, and a brother in uniform. His courage in protecting the people of Negros will never be forgotten. To his family, we grieve with you. Your loss is our loss,” he said.
He added, “We assure you that all benefits, assistance, and support due to you will be provided without delay. And we will not stop until justice is served.”
The incidents add to a series of armed encounters previously recorded in the northern Negros town.
In August 2023, suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members killed Corporal Jaime Nuñez and wounded Corporal Dennis Nasis and Captain Jesus Alba during an operation in Sitio Icogon, Barangay Minapasok.
Authorities have also documented multiple killings in Calatrava even before 2023, many linked to suspected rebel activities.
Meanwhile, the rebel group has not issued any statement claiming responsibility for the latest attacks.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.