Militiaman shot dead by NPA rebels

MANILA, Philippines — A member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit-Active Auxiliary was shot dead by suspected communist rebels in Palapag, Northern Samar yesterday.

Pedro Verano, 50, was walking in Barangay Sangay at about 4:30 p.m. when two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels approached and shot him twice, Chief Inspector Ma. Bella Rentuaya, Eastern Visayas police spokesperson, said.

Meanwhile, in Sultan Kudarat, five NPA guerrillas surrendered and turned over three rifles to soldiers in Barangay Nililidan, Kalamansig.

Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, said the surrender was a “positive outcome” of an effective collaboration between the military and civil authorities.