Ex-NPA man shot dead in Valenzuela

A former member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in Valenzuela at dawn yesterday in a shootout with Malabon policemen serving a warrant for his arrest on kidnap and robbery cases.

His three cohorts were apprehended in subsequent police operations in Malabon City.

Probers said suspect Raul dela Cruz alias "Ka Oliver," a resident of Barangay Karuhatan and described by the police as "armed and dangerous," was put on the NPA’s inactive list after getting involved in several robbery and kidnapping cases.

Dela Cruz was taken to the Polo District Hospital due to a gunshot wound in the neck. Three other members of Dela Cruz’s group were arrested and later identified as Edwin Rodriguez, 26; Erwin Lumasac alias "Gally", 31, and Allan Rodriguez, 24, all residents of Sioson street in Dampalit, Malabon.

Records showed Inspector Noel Lasquite and his men went to an abandoned lot near the Globe Paper Mills, where the suspect reportedly hid in Dinalagad, Barangay Karuhatan, to serve an arrest warrant to Dela Cruz around 1:30 in the morning.

The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Romeo Quilantang of the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) of Obando, Bulacan for charges of robbery, force and intimidation and with a recommended bail of P100,000.

The operatives said they went to Dela Cruz’s hideout and their presence was sensed by the suspect because of a dog’s incessant barking.

A half-naked Dela Cruz allegedly ran out of the house while firing at the policemen, who returned fire.

Police said the suspects were allegedly responsible for robbing businessman Luisito Samonte of P1 million in cash in Taliptip, Bulacan last June 3. – Jerry Botial