Farmer slain by terrorist NPA

Press Release
By DPAO, 8th Infantry Division, PA
February 3, 2010

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City  –  An innocent farmer was slain by the members of the notorious New People’s Army (NPA) at Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Matuguinao, Samar 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2.

Arman Diaz of legal age, married and a resident of the Brgy. Madoroto of said town was shot dead by five unidentified members of NPA using assorted high powered fire arms while he was in his farm place. Victim suffered gunshot wounds all over his body that caused his instantaneous death.

Based on the reports of the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion, the victim was mercilessly slain in front of his children and wife.  After the killing, the dead body of Diaz was allegedly dragged and emplaced at the center of barangay plaza to exhibit with the populace.  The residents disclosed that the victim is known for being hushed and hard-working in upbringing his family and remember nothing to pay with the underground movement.

The people of Matuguinao particularly the victim’s family are calling to the human rights groups especially to the Katungod-Sinirangang Bisayas to give due attention to the barbaric, un-Godly and violent killing perpetrated by the terrorists.  They also call on to the Katungod-SB to conduct investigation to give justice to the victim.

“Election Day is fast approaching.  This is perhaps one of their means to sow terror to the masses in order to create chaos and destruct the rights of the people to vote and choose a candidate of their choice”, as exposed by Roberto Gacuma alias Ka Huling in his most interviews.  Ka Huling is a former top rank NPA official of Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) that was captured by the government forces sometime in 2007.

Meanwhile, police authorities in Matuguinao is now conducting necessary investigation to give justice to the victim.  The 34^th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Jose Gongona immediately conducts pursuit and security operations in the area to go after the perpetrators.