BUTUAN CITY ,Philippines – At least 10 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels shot and robbed a treasure hunter inside his house in Barangay Ombang in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte Friday evening, the police said on Sunday.
Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Rafal, Caraga, police regional office director, identified the victim as Danny Evarita.
Initial police reports said the suspects, armed with high-powered firearms, stormed the house of Evarita and asked for the gold treasure he allegedly discovered.
The armed men claimed they would use the gold to buy medicines to treat their wounded companions.
The rebels also ransacked the house and carted away P6,600 in cash. They fled towards Barangay Camp Edward.