NPA rebel killed in Northern Samar clash

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — A communist rebel was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Sitio Cag-anibong, Barangay Bagacay in Palapag, Northern Samar on Wednesday.

Security officials said Geronimo Javier was a member of the New People’s Army (NPA)’s Front Committee 15, said to be behind intimidation, grave threats and extortion of residents and small businesses in the province.

An M16 rifle, 70 rounds of ammunition, three magazines and a bandolier were reportedly recovered at the scene.

Meanwhile, Avelino Cruz of the NPA’s Southern Ilocos Sur Command was arrested while confined at the Panopdopan District Hospital in Lamut, Ifugao yesterday.

Cruz was wounded in a clash with government forces in Barangay Namal in Asipulo town on Wednesday.

He will be brought to Abra to face the rebellion charges filed against him. – Artemio Dumlao