NPA leader dies in crash

A suspected leader of the Communist New People’s Army died when his motorcycle crashed during a chase with pursuing government troops in Barangay San Isidro in Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

Reports reaching the Army headquarters said soldiers from the 31st Infantry Battalion were running after NPA commander Manuel Lola alias Ka Jara, who was said to have tried to elude pursuing troops on board his motorcycle.

“He succumbed to multiple injuries caused by the motorcycle crash. He was brought to the Camarines Norte provincial hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by attending physicians,” Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Army spokesman said.

Recovered from him was a .45 caliber pistol and several rounds of ammunition.

Torres said Lola held various positions in the underground movement, being the executive committee member of the Komite sa Probinsya (KOMPROB) in Camarines Sur, second secretary of Front Committee 73, Front Operational Command member, Provincial Operational Command member and Commanding officer of Sentro Defensa Grupo operating in the entire province.

Torres said Lola’s death is another setback for the rebel movement, particularly in the Bicol Region, where the military has intensified combat operations against the NPA.