Almost a year since the bloody murder of five civilian farmers in Barangay Dolos, Bulan last May 8, 2020, yet not a single word to console the victim’s families and assurance of justice came from Bulan Mayor Romeo Gordola.

The New People’s Army-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command) slammed Mayor Gordola for his inaction amid the rampage of human rights violations committed by the Philippine Army in the town. “He is, in fact, serving as an active agent of the military in forcing his constituents to “surrender” as NPAs,” said Samuel Guerrero, the NPA unit’s spokesman.

Gordola has kept mum even when the 2nd Police Mobile Force Company’s death squad assassinated municipal hall employee Felix Chico on March 3, 2020 in Barangay Somagongsong. Much to the dismay of his constituencies, he never listened residents’ complaints on abuses and violations committed by military agents during their bogus Community Support Programs since the start of July 2020.

Another crime committed by the 22nd IB is the fake encounter it staged in Barangay Marinab in late February, wounding a farmer and consecutively arresting him for being a member of the NPA.

On April 17, Mayor Gordola has baited another batch of civilians to “surrender” as members of the NPA, forcing them to follow military orders and signing various documents without any legal bases. The NPA-Sorsogon has documented at least 20 civilians who have been “sponsored” by Gordola to undergo the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ bogus and fascist Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

NPA’s Guerrero asked Gordola: “What really is your plan, mayor?” He said the people of Bulan are looking for his support to condemn the atrocities, yet he has been the one pushing them to the devil’s den.

“These were not your promises during your campaign for mayoral candidacy,” said Guerrero. “The people are waiting for your response, Mayor Gordola,” he added.

Ending its statement, the NPA-Sorsogon assured Sorsoganons that if they choose to hold Gordola accountable, Red fighters will be on their side.