“Spy-Tagging” Is Murder: NTF-ELCAC Condemns NPA Execution of 74-Year-Old Grandma

06 February 2026

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) strongly condemns the cold-blooded killing of Leonor, 74 years old, in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

This was not a robbery, not an accident, and not “revolutionary justice.” This was an execution. Leonor was spy-tagged, branded as a “spy”, and then killed.

By accounts on the ground, the attackers openly identified themselves as members of the New People’s Army (NPA), deliberately looked for Leonor, isolated her, and shot her at close range. This method is familiar and horrifying: accuse without proof, threaten without mercy, and kill without due process.

Leonor’s “crime” was that NPA elements had previously used her property, and later suffered losses in encounters with government forces. Instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, the NPA turned their anger on a civilian, an elderly woman, and treated suspicion as a death warrant.

Spy-tagging is not just a label, it is a death sentence.

The NPA’s so-called “people’s courts” have repeatedly been used to justify murders based on rumor, fear, or personal grudges. Once someone is labeled a “spy,” they are marked, sometimes for days, sometimes for weeks, until the gunmen come.

Leonor’s killing is part of a documented pattern of systematic spy-tagging and liquidation in Negros. From early to late last year alone, civilians from different walks of life such as farmers, laborers, tricycle drivers, barangay officials, forest guards, vendors, and community leaders, were killed after being labeled as “informants.” Among the victims were:

Elberto Ancero Lubon, Cirilo Llena, Efren Solinap, Jonhee Montoya, Rickne Daipal, Jury Gane, Leonardo Nepalar, Jobert Alsado, Elias Palay, Jesmar Pacunla, Isagani Imalay, Enrique Bertucio, Jonestly Vallente Sr., Jessie Tinggab, Johnny Boy Dela Fuente, Jerry Emia, Joshua Rabor, Anecito Mahinay, Danny “Gamay” Francisco, Maricel Pantajo, Ariel Calumboy, Joamie Peralta, Danilo Inglatera, Emong Kantala, Michael Robel — civilians executed after being branded as informants.

These killings were even claimed by NPA units and formations, showing not only intent, but a disturbing pride in targeting unarmed people.

These victims were not combatants. Many were poor, many were community workers, and some, like Leonor, were elderly. Killing civilians on suspicion is not revolution. It is terror.

We must stop the pattern: accuse, isolate, execute.

NTF-ELCAC calls on all concerned government agencies to act quickly and decisively to prevent more deaths:

- The Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify manhunt operations, evidence-gathering, and case build-up to ensure arrests and strong prosecutions.

- The Department of Justice (DOJ) to fast -track inquest and prosecution, and prioritize cases involving summary executions and armed intimidation.

- The AFP and intelligence units to strengthen focused operations against armed groups conducting “liquidations,” especially in barangays where civilians are being threatened.

- The Local Government Units (LGUs) and Barangay Councils to activate community protection mechanisms, establish safe reporting channels, and coordinate immediate security for threatened residents.

- And to ensure access to witness protection, emergency shelter, psychosocial support, and assistance for bereaved families, because fear and silence are exactly what killers rely on.

We also urge citizens to report threats, harassment, or “trials” being conducted in communities. Silence is dangerous. Silence gives killers time.

We extend our deepest condolences to Leonor’s family and to all families who have lost loved ones to spy-tagging killings. NTF-ELCAC will continue to expose these crimes, support efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, and work with communities so that these murders are not normalized, not excused, and not repeated.

USEC. ERNESTO C. TORRES JR.

Executive Director, NTF-ELCAC