NDFP spox Araneta gets reclusion perpetua for 1975 murder

The Taguig Regional Trial Court has sentenced National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace consultant and spokesperson Concha Araneta with reclusion perpetua over a shooting incident in Aklan in 1975.

According to a press briefer, the court found Araneta guilty beyond reasonable doubt of murder over the death of Metudio Inisa at Sitio Agbanuod in Madalag, Aklan.

“Wherefore, premises considered, judgment is hereby rendered finding accused Concha Araneta, or alias ‘Maria Concepcion Araneta’, ‘Chacon’, ‘Jojo’, ‘Etang’, guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of murder… and is hereby sentenced to suffer imprisonment of reclusion perpetua,” the decision said.

According to the Department of Justice, Inisa was staying with his brother-in-law in September 1975 when nine individuals — two women and seven men — carrying firearms arrived at their residence.

One of the individuals introduced himself as a member of the New People’s Army. One of the women, meanwhile, later asked Iniisa why he joined the Philippine Constabulary.

“And when Inisa was not able to answer, she drew a gun and shot Inisa in the head. After which, the men fired several shots at Inisa,” the DOJ said in a press briefer.

“On the other hand, the other female did not shoot Inisa. The female who shot Inisa was identified as accused Araneta. Thus, the charge of murder,” it added

Araneta, through her legal counsel, pleaded not guilty to the crime in August 2015. In April 2022, her counsel filed a motion to withdraw as counsel, saying she has not had communication with Araneta for the last three years and has no information on her last known address.

The DOJ said the promulgation of the judgment was done in absentia “considering that Araneta has not appeared before the Court since the suspension of peace negotiations.” —KBK, GMA News