The shock over the recent murder of a World Health Organization (WHO) worker in Myanmar appears to have been tempered by claims he was an unruly military junta informant.

Myo Min Htut was killed after being shot five times while riding a motorcycle near Thanlwin garden in Mawlamyine Township, Mon State on 8 June.

The WHO was quick to issue a statement.

“The World Health Organization is deeply saddened at the death of our national staff during a security incident in Mawlamyine Township, Mon State. The exact information on the circumstances of the incident remains unclear but we are all deeply saddened by his tragic death and extend our deepest condolences to the family of our colleague. Myo Min Htut had worked for WHO Myanmar as a driver for nearly 5 years,” WHO announced on their social media on 9 June.

However, the murder of the WHO driver was allegedly carried out by a People’s Defence Force group claiming he was a junta informer, known for his unruly behaviour in the community, and being closely related to Lieutenant General Aung Lin Dwe, a local junta official.

“We shot him five times because we received many complaints from the people. He threatened young girls to do what he wants by showing dirty films,” according to a spokesperson for the People’s Defense Force (Mawlamyine).

According to the PDF, Myo Min Htut used to take the lead in “overnight guest registration” in Yangon and Mawlamyine and also had the close relationships with the police forces and the Military Council. He was allegedly threatening CDM workers’ families.

People’s Defense Force (Mawlamyine) announced that they ended his life after he was being found to be a rapist and had threatened young girls by filming sex acts with them and threatening to run them online.

Myo Min Htut’s involvement with overnight guest registration relates to the Ward or Village Tract Administration Law which required citizens to report overnight guests to the authorities. It is originated in 1907 under British colonial rule. The law was modified in 2012 and eventually abolished during the tenure of the National League for Democracy-led government. After the 2021 coup, the military revived the law again. Residents face a fine or imprisonment if they do not report guests to the local authorities.