HILONGOS, Leyte — Residents of Barangay San Antonio here Sunday (18 August 2019) strongly condemned the brutal killing of their barangay chairman by alleged gunmen belonging to the New People’s Army.

The well-loved barangay executive Virgelio Loquias was fatally shot in different parts of his body at around 1 p.m., on Aug. 16 (Friday) while he was fishing in Mahangin creek.

According to witnesses, the gunmen claimed Loquias had a “major offense” against the NPA.

The victim’s father-in-law, Romeo Adobas, and two other companions, Antonio delos Santos and Julius Britania, were spared by the gunmen.

Sources said Loquias allegedly refused to support the NPA in its efforts to destabilize the peace and order situation in the area.

Carrying placards bearing strong statements against the NPA, the residents called the communist group as menace to society and urged the government to get rid of the rebels once and for all.

The residents also called on the government to bring to justice the perpetrators behind the killing of Loquias. FC/amigo