NPA leader killed in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY – Another top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) under the North Leyte Front Committee was killed by troopers of the 19th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Aguiting Kananga town.

Col. Lope Dagoy, head of the 19th Infantry Battalion, identified the NPA leader as Antonio Ramos, alias Pingkoy or Mando.

Dagoy told The Star that Ramos, 55, was arrested at a checkpoint along the Jaro-Alang-alang Maharlika Highway. He was on board a public utility vehicle bound for Tacloban City.

Ramos reportedly grabbed the rifle of one of the troops and managed to fire a shot, hitting the left railings of the truck.

During the ensuing scuffle, he was shot by a soldier.

The NPA leader sustained two bullet wounds in the abdomen and was rushed to the Ormoc Sugar Planters Association (OSPA) Hospital for immediate treatment but was declared dead on arrival. – With Roberto Dejon