5 suspected rebels slain in Masbate town

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY---Some five suspected members of the communist guerillas were killed in an encounter at a far-flung village of Mandaon town in Masbate province on Sunday, Oct. 24 police report said.

Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PNP Bicol regional spokesperson, said the armed encounter happened when operatives served a warrant of arrest for five counts of murder and attempted murder charges on Eddie/Arnold Rosero (alias Ka Star), a rebel leader, at his residence in Barangay Bugtong, according to Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson.

According to an intelligence report, Rosero was with the Larangan 1 Guerrilla Front.

Police reports said that Rosero was with several rebel companions at the time when the policemen arrived at the place where the rebel leader is residing.

When they spotted the approaching cops, the rebels fired upon the policemen. The shootout lasted for 30 minutes.

The firefight resulted in the death of five rebels, including Rosero, while some of their comrades were able to flee, the police report said.

Calubaguib said that based on the intelligence report, Rosero was the leader of the NPA’s Larangan 1 Guerilla Front operating in Masbate province.

The slain rebels have yet to be identified.

Police recovered from the scene three M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, two .45 caliber handguns, and improvised explosive devices.

The Communist Party of the Philippines -NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (With reports of Raneza Sabina Barcebal and Mar Arguelles)