The Communist Party of the Philippines strongly condemns the 8th ID’s merciless killing of three civilians in Barangay Nagoocan, Catubig, Northern Samar on June 3. This is contrary to what AFP officials are claiming, that those they killed were members of the NPA. Maj. Gen. Ariel Orio, head of the 8th ID, is without integrity and is shamelessly lying.
According to a report by the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM)-Northern Samar, Noel Lebico Sr of Barangay Roxas, Catubig; Arnel Aquino of Barangay Osmeña, Palapag; and Nonoy Norcio of Barangay Luneta, Gamay were all ordinary farmers in the area. The three have long been targets of the fascist military’s brutal campaign to force them to “surrender.”
The barrios and towns where they live have been under undeclared martial law since 2020. After they were killed, the 8th ID even used Lebico’s child to make it appear that his father was a Red fighter.
The 8th ID targeted Lebico Sr, Aquino and Norcio because they refused to join in the programs of the 8th ID and NTF-Elcac such as E-CLIP where they would have forcibly “surrendered” then made to “identify” (as NPA members) and endanger their fellow farmers.
There have been successive cases of killing, arrest and abuse by AFP personnel against civilians in Northern Samar, Negros and Sorsogon. The forced surrender, harassment of communities and killing of civilians have notably intensified as their delusional “deadlines” for “defeating” the NPA draw near. In their pursuit of these deadlines, commanders and battalions target civilians for their fascist attacks.
The CPP calls on the peasant masses and PKM chapters to resolutely fight the fascist scourge. Strengthen your ranks and prepare to retaliate against the butchers who are currently reigning in your barangays.
