Kin of young NPA reb killed by comrades cries for justice

By Liezle Basa Inigo

NUEVA ECIJA -- The family of a slain New People’s Army (NPA) recruit wants justice for their kin who claimed that he was unjustly executed by his group.

Brig. Gen. Audrey L. Pasia of the 702nd Infantry Brigade said 20-year old Jeffrey G. Reyes of Barangay Talampac, Lacub, Abra  was about to leave the NPA when he was sentenced to death by his own comrades, tagging him as spy of the government on May 19.

Reyes, according to his family, had expressed his plan to leave the organization because he could no longer endure the hardships of living in the mountains and the food deprivation he experienced after joining the group on Dec. 30 last year.

The group, under the command of a certain Florencio Baluga, who is also known as Ka Bram, apparently resented his plan and executed him.

The victim’s family is now preparing documents so that they can file the necessary charges against the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, Pasia issued a warning to the youth to think twice before joining the NPA.

“Ito sana ay maging babala sa ating mga kabataan bago sumapi sa grupo ng bandidong NPA,” Pasia said as he vowed to pursue the fight until justice is served for Jeffrey and the others who suffered the same fate.

He said the act was a clear manifestation that the NPA does not recognize human rights and a sign that their forces were now weakening for lack of support from the community.

The NPA has not issued a press statement on the matter to date.