Ex-rebel slain in Ecija attack

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines – An alleged former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was shot dead by four unidentified gunmen in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija Thursday.

Renato Saddoy, alias Ka Leroy, 49, died from 18 gunshots to the body, said Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director.

Saddoy was reportedly a member of the NPA in the 80s. He left the movement and became a farmer, according to Senior Inspector Manuel Catacutan, Bongabon police chief.

A witness told investigators the gunmen, whose faces were covered with shirts, posed as farm helpers and went to Saddoy’s farm.

As soon as Saddoy arrived, two of the gunmen  reportedly fired at him several times, said Senior Police Officer 1 Adrian Sioson.

The gunmen fled toward Barangay Santor after the killing.

Sioson said they have yet to detemine the motive for the killing as Saddoy’s widow reportedly refused to cooperate with the investigation.

Police recovered several slugs for a caliber .45 pistol at the crime scene.