A red fighter killed in a December 2 clash in Himamaylan City was the brother of a farmer previously gunned down by soldiers in southern Negros, according to the Romeo Nanta Command of the New People’s Army.

The NPA identified the fatality as Rubin “Ka Marcos” Tingal, who died in an encounter with troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Cabagal, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

Rebel units said they were in the upland community to carry out “revolutionary work,” including relief assistance for residents affected by Tropical Storm Tino.

Ka Marcos joined the NPA in mid-2023 following the killing of his brother, farmer Crispin Tingal Jr., who was shot dead by soldiers on his way home from a seminar in Kabankalan City.

The Tingal family earlier reported repeated military raids on their home over accusations that they were supporters of the NPA.

Rebel spokespeople said the unresolved case, coupled with continuing harassment of the family, drove Ka Marcos to take up arms “to confront state forces victimizing peasants.”

Rebel units said Ka Marcos came from a peasant family that “grew up under constant surveillance and harassment,” describing him as a youth shaped by both farm work and lumpen influences before finishing high school.

He quickly took on responsibilities within the unit, including finance, logistics, medical work, political guidance, and literacy instruction.

Commanders said he earned the trust of upland communities for using his skills to “serve the poor and exploited.”

The rebel group said Ka Marcos believed that armed struggle was necessary for “social justice and genuine freedom,” and credited him for his commitment until his death.