Farmer slain by NPA rebels in Negros town

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed a farmer in Barangay Cabacungan in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, the military said yesterday.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, said Mario Landesa was on his way home when he was shot.

Flores said one of the assailants was identified as Jovito Leonar, a cousin of the victim.

Police said the victim reportedly refused to heed the order of the NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command to collect rice and money from residents in the area, which was among those affected by Typhoon Odette.