PNP to probe alleged existence of Kagubak death squad

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will probe the alleged existence of the Kawsa Guihulnganon Batok Komunista (Kagubak) death squad, which according to Sen. Risa Hontiveros, is suspected to be behind some of the recent killings in Negros Oriental.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said he has not heard of the group and that the regional police has not reported anything yet on its alleged existence or involvement in the murder incidents in the province.

“We will investigate that. I’ll have to talk to the PD (provincial director) there, and I have to talk to the regional director there kung talagang totoo ‘yung existence ng death squad doon (if the existence of the death squad there is true),” he said in a chance interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

During a hearing by the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee on Tuesday on the string of killings in Negros Oriental, Hontiveros said five of the 15 people in the supposed hit list of the group were among the 21 murder victims in the province from July 18 to 27.

Albayalde said the PNP will also investigate the supposed hit list.

He added that majority of those killed in the province “have leanings on the left,” referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army.

“Kaya ang tinitingnan natin dito, baka pwedeng purging ito for their own. Kasi ginagawa nila ‘yan, they sacrifice their own and then they blame the security forces, the PNP and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” the PNP chief said, adding that this “propaganda” is no longer new.

(We are looking at the possibility that this could be purging their own. They normally do that. They sacrifice their own and then blame it on security forces, the PNP and the AFP). /muf