A man shot dead in Himamaylan City on June 24 has been named by the New People’s Army (NPA) as the latest target of its so-called “revolutionary justice,” fueling concerns over a disturbing rise in civilian executions across Negros Occidental.
The NPA’s Romeo Nanta Command claimed responsibility for the killing of Jesmer Pacunla on Friday, June 27. They accused him of serving as an intelligence asset for the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion.
The group alleged that Pacunla’s actions led to military raids, civilian harassment, and forced surrenders. In Sitio Casipongan, Barangay Carabalan, armed men gunned down Pacunla.
Himamaylan City Deputy Chief of Police Peter Genovia said in an interview that they have identified two suspects, and added they are investigating victim’s possible involvement in illegal drugs and his alleged ties to the military.
Killing spree
Since March, six other civilians have died in northern Negros in attacks claimed by the NPA, specifically its Roselyn Jean Pelle Command. They accused these victims of being Army spies.
The most recent incident occurred on June 22 in Barangay San Isidro, Toboso, where armed individuals shot dead two men linked to the 79th Infantry Battalion.
Officials warn that these killings expose a dangerous trend of targeting civilians based solely on suspicion, without trial or verification, which violate the international humanitarian law (IHL).
Under IHL, civilians receive protection from attacks, and those accused of aiding military forces must have the right to due process.
Meanwhile, legal and human rights groups emphasize that these killings, even during internal conflict, constitute serious violations of international law and could be classified as war crimes.
Whether in Negros or not, violence continues to blur the line between combatants and civilians, placing vulnerable lives at risk, often without recourse for justice.*
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, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.