The Chadli Molintas Command (CMC) of the New People’s Army – Ilocos-Cordillera Region vehemently condemns the brutal murder of Julius Marquez (Ka Goyo), Ennabel Balunos (Ka Onor/Leah) and Ma. Finela Mejia (Ka Ricky). The three comrades are members of the NPA – Alfredo Cesar Command of Ilocos Sur. Based on confirmed reports, they were abducted inside a house at Namatican, Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur at around 10 PM of February 13 by elements of the 81st IB. A few minutes after they were forcibly dragged out of the house, all three were brutally shot on their heads.

On February 14, news on media reported an encounter in Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur that resulted in the death of three NPA members. But witnesses from the neighborhood confirmed that no encounter happened and that the three were cold bloodedly murdered.

This heinous crime committed by the 81st IB is a clear violation of the articles of war and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and international Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). Another addition to the bloody record of the US-Duterte Regime, this incident clearly demonstrates its insincerity in working towards a peaceful resolution of the ongoing civil war in the country. By maliciously misrepresenting revolutionaries and legal activists as terrorists, the tyrannical regime has enlisted these political forces as open targets of Oplan Tokhang type assassinations and manslaughter.

But such evil atrocities will never cow the people’s armed revolution into submission. The NPA and the people will continue to resolutely fight the unjust war, labeled Oplan Kapanatagan, being waged by the despotic regime and will guarantee its utter failure. In fact, this most ruthless war of Duterte against the people serves as an impetus for a continuously growing rank among the masses to embrace the armed revolution.

The CMC vows to ensure that revolutionary justice shall be rendered for our murdered comrades.

Revolutionary justice for the Ilocos three!

Courageously fight Oplan Kapanatagan!

Oust the US-Duterte regime!