NPA rebels shoot dead two civilians in Albay

DARAGA, Albay — Unidentified assailants believed to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebels shot dead two persons in Barangay Anislag here on Friday.

Superintendent Genesius Molto, Daraga town police chief, identified the victims as Gregorio Musa Jr., 34; and Fernando Asaytano, 37; both of Purok 6 in Barangay Anislag.

Molto said the two were having a drink inside the house of Molto when suddenly seven fully-armed NPA guerillas arrived and fired immediately at the victims while the birthday celebration of Musa’s child was ongoing at about 10:15 a.m.

Many of the guests who just came from the barangay chapel scampered to safety during the shooting. PO3 Rogelio Asupardo and P01 Francisco Mendevel said the rebels fled towards Barangay Maopi.

Found from the crime scene were six spent shells from an M-16 rifle, three spent shells from a caliber .45 pistol, a slug from a caliber .45 pistol and a flashlight.

Reports said that Musa was a police informer who got the ire of the NPA rebels operating in the area after a member of Bayan Muna was killed and abducted by unidentified armed men two weeks ago.

Asaytono was hit by stray bullets. The two were brought to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) about 15 kilometers from the crime scene. — Celso Amo