NPA leader slain in Bicol

MANILA, Philippines - A ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) who plotted numerous ambuscades against government troops was slain in a clash in Goa, Camarines Sur Wednesday night, the military said.

In a text message, Maj. Harold Cabunoc, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, identified the slain rebel leader as Elmer Osila, secretary of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Front Committee that operates in the Bicol region.

Prior to the encounter, Cabunoc said the 42nd Infantry Battalion got a complaint from a resident that rebels were collecting money to support the candidates they favor for the upcoming barangay elections.

A 10-man Army team led by 1Lt. Dion Elliot was sent to the Lamon village to verify the report. A five-minute firefight ensued after the soldiers spotted the insurgents led by Osila.