Negros oriental: The Philippine Army in Negros Oriental is investigating the potential involvement of the communist New People's Army (NPA) in the fatal shooting of a former member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Canlaon City. The incident has raised concerns about the NPA's lingering presence in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Evelio Ilanga, commanding officer of the Army's 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) based in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, stated that no motive has been determined yet in the killing of the former paramilitary member. However, the possibility of the NPA's involvement cannot be ruled out, given the victim's past association with the CAFGU. Ilanga emphasized that the military is collaborating closely with the police to investigate the incident.

The victim, Jerome Calderon Caballes, 32, was shot dead inside his residence around 10 p.m. on Tuesday in Sitio Ban-ban, Barangay Bucalan, Canlaon City. Reports indicate that Caballes was preparing dinner with his daughter when an unidentified assailant entered and shot him multiple times with an M-16 rifle. Caballes succumbed to his injuries from multiple gunshot wounds, according to police reports. The suspect fled immediately after the shooting, leaving the authorities to pursue further leads.

Lt. Col. Ilanga highlighted that despite the dismantling of NPA guerrilla fronts in Negros Island, remnants of the group continue to operate in the area. The military and police forces remain vigilant, aiming to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the local communities.