NPA attack kills 3 in Butuan City

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Some 15 communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked a group of civilians in barangay Bugsuk, Butuan City last Monday, killing at least three people and wounding two others, a belated military report said.

Maj.Gen.Cardoso Luna, Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division commanding general, said that while barangay residents were cleaning a chapel in Bugsuk, Butuan City, some 15 armed rebels attacked and open fired at them.

Killed in the attack were Teodoro Bulanon, 35; Jojo Etorma, 24; and Fredo Manenaque, 20.

Critically wounded were Barangay Bugsuk Councilor Magdalino Etorma and Jun Jun Pedongo.

The military said the communist rebels were led by a certain "Ka Arway" of the local NPA front, who was allegedly hunting down Etorma, who is suspected of being a military asset and for refusing to cooperate with the rebels. — Lino dela Cruz