The 43rd IB soldiers and the paramilitary group Dos brutally killed 65-year-old farmer Veronico “Tatay Birong” Anterio on September 16 in Barangay Carolina, Matuguinao, Samar. Soldiers targeted him for standing up against military rule in communities in Matuguinao and for opposing their economic exploitation.

Anterio was well known in his community for speaking out against the oppressive requirement for residents to log their names before leaving the village, the restriction of working hours in the fields, and even the control of food that residents bring with them. He condemned the soldiers who trampled on and destroyed his newly planted rice without apologizing or offering compensation.

Apart from advocating human rights, Anterio was known as a traditional healer not only in the town of Matuguinao but also in neighboring towns. Even fascist soldiers approach him for his skillful treatment using medicinal plants.

Anterio left behind his 11 children and three grandchildren whom he was supporting. The poor people he defended and served, who are denied quality social services every day by the reactionary government, also deeply mourn his loss.

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV) condemned the crime of the 43rd IB and the paramilitary. According to the group, the fascist 43rd IB, Dos, and Dos controller Matuguinao fascist mayor Aran Boller have again multiplied their blood debt.

Anterio was the seventh victim of extrajudicial killings in Eastern Visayas this year, and the 20th since Marcos took power. “The oppression and exploitation of the masses have gone too far. We vow to achieve justice,” the group said.

The NDF-EV also called on the peasant masses to unite and stand against state terrorism and military rule in the region. “Strengthen the ranks, join the people’s war, and courageously fight the fascist terror of the AFP in the countryside!” it said.