The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Sunday condemned the killing of 74-year-old Leonora “Leonor” Anguit in Negros, describing the incident as a case of “spy-tagging” that escalated into a summary execution allegedly carried out by the New People’s Army (NPA).

“This was not a robbery. This was not an accident. This was an execution,” NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Ernesto C. Torres Jr. said.

“Leonor was branded a ‘spy’ and killed. Spy-tagging is not just a label — it is a death sentence,” he added.

According to NTF-ELCAC, the attackers openly identified themselves as NPA members, deliberately sought out Anguit, 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,” Torres said.

He said Anguit’s alleged “offense” stemmed from claims 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, they turned their anger on an elderly civilian. Suspicion became a death warrant,” Torres said.

NTF-ELCAC said Anguit’s killing fits a broader pattern of what it described as systematic “spy-tagging” and liquidation of civilians in Negros. The task force cited several cases last year involving farmers, laborers, tricycle drivers, barangay officials, forest guards, vendors and community leaders who were allegedly killed after being labeled as informants.

“These killings were even claimed by NPA units and formations,” Torres said. “That shows intent — and a disturbing pride in targeting unarmed people. This is not revolution. It is terror.”

The task force called for coordinated action to prevent further killings, urging the Philippine National Police to intensify manhunts and case build-up, the Department of Justice to fast-track prosecutions, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to strengthen focused operations against armed groups conducting what it described as “liquidations.”

NTF-ELCAC also called on local government units and barangay councils to activate community protection mechanisms and provide immediate security to residents under threat, as well as expand access to witness protection, emergency shelter, psychosocial support and assistance for affected families.

“We urge citizens to report threats, harassment, or so-called ‘trials’ being conducted in communities,” Torres said. “Silence is dangerous. Silence gives killers time.”

The task force extended condolences to Anguit’s family and said it would continue to support efforts to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar incidents.