In separate shooting incidents two rebels, government employee shot dead

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - — Two members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) were shot dead in Hacienda Angelita, Barangay Sag-ang in the town of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, Tuesday.

Police identified the victims as Jomar Toritcilla, 33, of Barangay Nayon, San Enrique town and Lenmar Fath, 34, of Barangay Magallon, Moises Padilla town. Both worked as farm watchmen.

Police records showed that the victims were sleeping when they were killed by the suspect, identified as Carlo Apostol, who is also a farm watchman.

Police further said that the suspect invited the victims, along with another worker identified as Nick Tumbagahan, for a drinking session since it was his birthday.

However, the suspect shot the victims when they were sleeping, allegedly due to drunkenness, and fled from the crime scene, bringing with him the firearms owned by the two victims.

Tumbagahan, meanwhile, said that he was surprised when he saw the two bodies when he woke up, adding that the suspect may not have seen him because it was dark.

Police said that the residents heard gunshots at around 2 a.m. Police further said that they are conducting a hot pursuit operation against the suspect and is still probing the incident.

Meanwhile, a government employee was gunned down in front of the Binalbagan Municipal Hall, Negros Occidental, Monday morning.

Police identified the victim as Lorid Pahilanga, 41, and a casual employee of the municipal government assigned in the Maintenance Department.

Police said that the victim sustained gunshot wound in the head when he was shot by the unidentified riding-in-tandem suspects.

Police recovered empty shell of .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene. Police said that personal grudges may have been the motive of the killing.  (FREEMAN)