4 ‘rebels’ slain in clash

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines — Four suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on Saturday.

Reports said that Ariel Lasib, Johndel Limosnero and their two companions were on separate motorcycles when they were pulled over at a checkpoint manned by a joint team of the police and military in Barangay Upper Maculan.

Instead of pulling over, the suspects reportedly drew their guns and shot the officers, said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Probers recovered four pistols, four motorcycles and a bag containing improvised explosive devices at the scene of the encounter.

Local officials said Lasib and Limosnero were officials of the NPAs’ Guerrilla Front Musa-Far South Mindanao Regional Command, whose leaders have pending cases in different courts in central Mindanao.

Residents said the suspects extorted money from them.

Police have yet to identify the two other fatalities.