New People’s Army leader slain in clash with soldiers

MANILA, Philippines — A New People’s Army leader was killed in an encounter with government troopers in San Ildefonso, Bulacan on Wednesday.

Identified only as Buddy, the fatality was the leader of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilya that is involved in extortion activities in Bulacan and Nueva Ecija, Maj. Gen Felimon Santos, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, said.

Buddy was also the former head of the dismantled Platun Timog Sierra Madre, according to Northern Luzon Command spokesman Lt. Col. Isagani Nato.

The clash occurred in Barangay Nabaong Garlang at around 8 p.m. as government troopers were checking the reported presence of armed men. 

There was no reported casualty on the government side. 

Nato said a .38-caliber revolver, ammunition, a grenade, a motorcycle, five mobile phones, a flash drive and a backpack containing personal belongings were recovered from the rebels. – Ramon Efren Lazaro