WESCOM condemns NPA for killing PO3 Saldajeno

The Western Command (WESCOM) has condemned the murder of PO3 Rodelph Saldajeno by the New People’s Army (NPA), saying “it is another proof of the leftist movement’s self-centered interests, outright disregard for life, and gross violation of human rights.”

Captain Cherryl Tindog, chief of the WESCOM Public Affairs Office, said this Friday in reaction to a January 9 statement by the Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC) which claimed responsibility for the killing of Saldajeno on January 8 in Rizal town, southern Palawan.

“This crime proved once again that the NPA is operating not to serve the people as they falsely claim, but to push for their self-vested agenda that are against the true spirit of peace and order,” she said.

Tindog said the WESCOM will continue to collaborate with the local Philippine National Police (PNP) forces and other government agencies “for security efforts and to intensify focused military operations (FMOs), as well as community support programs in order to dismantle the remaining members of the rebel organization in Palawan.”

Tindog said the WESCOM is urging the public to cooperate with government forces by sharing vital security information from their communities and to refrain from extending any form of support to the NPA to end their evil acts in the province.

She said WESCOM is extending its condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Saldajeno.

The BVC said last week that it carried out Saldajeno’s murder to punish him as police intelligence chief in Rizal.

Saldajeno was reportedly active in conducting anti-insurgency activities in Rizal and was the one behind the setting up of barangay intelligence networks (BINs).

“Matagumpay na pinarusahan ng mga kagawad ng Bienvenido Vallever Command si PO3 Rodelph Saldajeno, ang pinuno ng police intelligence sa bayan ng Rizal. Aktibo ito sa kanyang kontra insurhensyang aktibidad sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo at paglalatag ng mga barangay intelligence network sa nasasakupan ng Rizal. Ang mga ganitong gawain na pagpapakita mg kontra- rebolusyunaryong katangian ay itinuturing namin na malaking krimen na ang katumbas nito ay ang parusang kamatayan,” the NPA statement said.