Last July 30, Crisanto Lagardilla of Sityo Halway, Barangay Nabinlod, Sta Catalina, Negros Oriental, a 51-year-old farmer and father of at least 9 children was killed by soldiers, according to residents.

Prior to his murder, soldiers were already alleging Lagardilla was a supporter of the New People’s Army (NPA). In early morning of July 30, while he was helping a farmer with coconut copra, soldiers raided Lagardilla’s home. Lagardilla was forced out of his home and soldiers shot at him, hitting him the leg.

According to his neighbor, upon getting hit, Lagardilla went on his knees an
d pleaded to be spared as he still had small children. The soldiers responded, “Tigulang kana ug dili na ka mapuslan” (You are old and useless).” Once Lagardilla was killed, soldiers planted weapons to make it appear they had killed an armed rebel.

Currently, residents of Sta Catalina and in the mountains of Sitaon are being forced to surrender as supporters or even members of the NPA. The military are establishing local intelligence assets, causing intrigue and sowing discord among local farmers.