NPA rebels kill tribal leader

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — A leader of the Manobo tribe was killed in an ambush allegedly staged by communist rebels in Magpet town on Wednesday.

Antonio Takinan, 50, died at the scene. His companions Robello Tambunan, 64, and village watchman Rene Soriano were wounded and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Takinan was an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Bayan, representing indigenous communities.

The victims were on their way home when they were waylaid by six men armed with caliber .45 pistols and M16 rifles, Chief Inspector Aldrin Gonzalez, Soccsksargen police spokesman, said.