AFP General vows justice for soldier executed by Reds in Capiz

[ASEAN NOW News]

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. vowed to use all available resources to ensure justice for a soldier who was murdered by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists in Capiz last August.

 

Cpl. Frederic K. Villasis, team leader of the Philippine Army’s Community Support Program (CSP) in Barangay Lahug, Tapaz in Capiz province, was killed by a group of New People's Army rebels on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 11, 2021). AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. vowed to bring to justice those behind the killing. (PNA photo courtesy of 12IB, Philippine Army)

 

"The AFP will exhaust all available resources to achieve justice for our comrade and put an end to the decades-old problem of armed conflict so that our nation may enjoy genuine peace and development," Faustino said in a statement on Thursday night.

 

Faustino was referring to the killing of Cpl. Frederic Villasis, a member of the 12th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA).

 

Villasis and Lahug councilors Analyn Giganto and Estong Sumaria, were on board two motorcycles when they were intercepted by a group of rebels in Sitio Owa.

 

The three were on their way to the municipal hall to follow up on a water system and other development projects.

The rebels singled out Villasis as his hands were tied and then was shot three times at the back while the two civilians were made to lie down and were later set free.

 

Cold Blooded Murder

 

"The cold-blooded murder of Cpl. Frederic Villasis who was deployed for CSP in the area is a clear manifestation of the NPA’s anti-people and anti-development ways that are worthy of the Filipino’s condemnation," Faustino added.

 

He also condemned this latest atrocity of the NPA, which ironically took place a day before the celebration of International Humanitarian Law Day.

 

"The AFP extends its condolence to the family and loved ones of Corporal Villasis who left behind a wife, and two young children," Faustino said.

 

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)