The Regional Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Island (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command) honored eight Red fighters who were killed in consecutive encounters with the 15th and 47th IB on November 21-22 in Barangay Gatuslao, Candoni, Negros Occidental. The fighters were killed while defending the Negrosanon masses against the Araneta and Consuji families’ landgrabbing efforts for their oil palm plantation.

The regional command recognized the sacrifice of the Red fighters Ka Janine, Ka Fita, Ka Wani, Ka Nonoy, Ka Mark, Ka Wally, Ka Jacob, and Ka Jogar. “They offered the highest sacrifice on the altar of the revolution, by laying their lives in defending the interests of the oppressed against the mercenaries of the ruling class,” NPA-Negros Island spokesperson Ka Maoche Legislador said.

Barangay Gatuslao is among the barangays targeted for the ₱2-billion oil palm plantation of Hacienda Asia Plantations Incorporated (HAPI). HAPI, a subsidiary of Sirawai Plywood and Lumber Corporation owned by the Consuji family and Alfred Joseph Araneta, is seizing 6,652.32 hectares of land in the town of Candoni.

The land is classified as forest land, of which 4,000 hectares are ancestral lands of the indigenous Ati. Through collaboration with the local government of Candoni, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Consunjis have seized the said public land. The company was granted permission to use the land for 25 years, with an option to extend for another 25 years.

Ka Maoche said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s celebration over the killing of the NPA fighters only proves their role as mercenaries for the Consunjis and Aranetas. “They do the dirty work and commit atrocities against countryside communities,” the spokesperson added.

Since September, hundreds of military forces have been deployed to conduct focused military operations (FMO) in Candoni and neighboring towns. Military units have set up arbitrary checkpoints, harassed residents, and imposed food blockades, hamletting, and other human rights violations. Soldiers have also continuously red-tagged legitimate farmers’ and residents’ organizations.

“The eight martyred Red fighters are testament of the revolution’s commitment to defend the people against foreign and local exploiters.” Ka Maoche added. He stated that despite their grief, they are determined to fight for justice for the eight. He also noted that many are ready to step up and take up the weapons left by the martyrs.