The New People’s Army (NPA)-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command) condemned the 2nd IB soldiers for torturing and willfully killing one of its captured Red fighters on December 13. According to the unit, the 2nd IB committed a serious violation of international humanitarian law and the laws of war against a hors de combat or a Red fighter who was already incapable of fighting.

The unit reported that the 2nd IB captured Red fighter Ka Mil alive on December 13. He sustained a gunshot wound in the leg after the 2nd IB troops raided the house hosting the NPA unit in Barangay Pitogo, Cataingan, Masbate that same day.

NPA-Masbate spokesperson Ka Luz del Mar said Ka Mil bore clear signs of brutal torture on his neck, legs, arms, and back.

Ka Luz added that the 2nd IB’s brutality against Ka Mil was a revenge for the deaths of two of its soldiers, including officer 2nd Lt. Taladua during the raid on the NPA unit. Another 2nd IB soldier was reportedly wounded.

Ka Mil was the third Red fighter that the 2nd IB’s tortured and willful killed, according to the NPA-Masbate. The two earlier victims were Ka Popoy/Roco in Barangay San Jose on September 30 and Ka Boboy in Barangay Candelaria on July 19, both in the town of Uson. Their bodies bore multiple stab wounds, gunshot injuries, and broken bones.

NPA-Masbate extended its heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Ka Mil’s family, relatives, and acquaintances. “The provincial command pledges to persevere in holding the butcher military troops accountable and made to indemnify, and until justice is attained for the defenselessly tortured and killed comrades and masses,” said Ka Luz.