DAVAO CITY – Suspected New Peoples Army guerrillas has killed a tribal warrior, locally known as a bagani, on the morning of Tuesday in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, the Army said.
The Army identified the bagani as Roger Bato, 31.
In a press statement, Army commander Lt. Col. Roberto Bunagan said that Bato was “attending [to] his farmland at Sitio Tagbalyaw, Barangay Suason at 11:30 am” when the incident happened.
“(Bato) suffered gunshot wound at his chest that caused his instantaneous death. He is a resident of Barangay Florida of the same municipality,” said Bunagan.
The Army did not say why Bato was targeted for guerrilla assassination. The NPA has not also released any statement.
Bunagan said his troops are now in pursuit operations in the area and coordinated with the local police for investigation.
“As first responders, we facilitated necessary assistance from the (local government) of Kapalong to the bereaved family of Roger. With the PNP, we will file criminal charges against the perpetrators,” Bunagan said. (davaotoday.com)
