Negrenses honor slain cop, condemn CPP-NPA atrocities

BACOLOD City – Around 300 Negrenses gathered to condemn the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) during an indignation rally in Bago City.

The activity, initiated in front of the Manuel Y. Torres Coliseum on Feb. 25, also served as a tribute to Captain Efren Espanto, a Negrense policeman who was killed during an encounter with the NPA rebels in Janiuay, Iloilo last February 12.

Colonel Romeo Baleros, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), said in a statement released on Wednesday that the communist-terrorist group committed an inhuman act in ending the life of the captain.

“His legacy and bravery will remain in the hearts of his fellow police officers,” he added.

Espanto, who was the team leader of Regional Mobile Force-Western Visayas Reconnaissance Company, hails from La Carlota City but has a residence in Bago City. Married to a fellow police officer, he was a member of the Philippine National Police Academy 2015 Class Lakandula.

His remains were transferred from Baxter Funeral Homes in Bago City to to La Carlota Gymnasium on Feb. 25. He will He will be laid to rest there in his hometown on Feb. 29.

Major Edison Garcia, public information officer of NOCPPO, said members from various civil society groups organized the rally, which was supported by the provincial police.

Banners which read “Salute to courage and sacrifice. You will never be forgotten,” were brought by the participants as tribute to Espanto.

During the indignation rally, a former rebel shared his experience as a misguided member of the NPA. He surrendered to the government authorities after he realized the meaningless ideology of the communist-terrorist group.(With a report from PNA/PN)

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here