[CNN] Slain mayor Dario Otaza was a former militant who gave up armed struggle and decided to make reforms through government by peaceful means. Mayor Otaza consistently advocated against armed rebellion. He was considered a role model by his fellow local chief executives for his efforts and initiatives for the development projects in the town of Loreto.Otaza had urged his former comrades in the New People's Army to surrender and avail themselves of the livelihood program initiated by the government. Over his term, he welcomed 154 NPA militants back to the government side. That the NPA saw Otaza a threat who must be stopped was well known. But what the military could not comprehend is why Otaza's 20-year-old, mentally-challenged son Daryl was also hogtied and killed by the miltiants.
Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez confirmed that Mayor Otaza received death threats in the past before the abduction on October 19. The victims were seized by 18 NPA miltants disguised as National Bureau of Investigation agents.
Hours later, pursuing military troops discovered the bodies of the two victims in Butuan City, both hogtied and shot several times.