Canlaon city: Police investigators are examining the possible involvement of the communist New People's Army (NPA) in the fatal shooting of a former village watchman turned rescue team member in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. The victim, who was a member of the Elite Rescue Team of Barangay Binalbagan, was killed while driving his motorcycle home.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, reported that the victim, a 30-year-old resident of Sitio Nabuluan in Barangay Binalbagan, was shot by two unidentified male assailants. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, and the victim was immediately taken to the Canlaon City District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

The area of Binalbagan, situated about 15 kilometers from the city proper, is designated as an internal security operations (ISO) area. Polinar explained that ISO areas are regions where NPA insurgents are believed to be active, making residents like the victim potential targets. Barangay Binalbagan is located near Barangay Bucalan, another ISO area, where a similar incident occurred last month involving a former member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Police are investigating potential connections between these incidents, noting that both victims were involved in paramilitary activities. The investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to explore the NPA's possible role in these violent acts.