NPA eliminates 2 former comrades

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): NPA eliminates 2 former comrades

A reactivated rebel underground command  has taken responsibility for the killing of two Army soldiers last Saturday in Barangay, Binahian-C here. Both victims had actually been former rebels before they surrendered and eventually became soldiers.

The Apolonio Mendoza Command (AMC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) identified them as Christopher De Leon and Joel Amares.  Both belonged to the 85th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Barangay Villa Principe in Gumaca town.

The victims were reportedly on board a motorcycle when the NPA rebels ambushed them, De Leon died on the spot while Amares was thrown off the bike before he was shot, AMC said in an email to the Manila Bulletin.

Rebels seized a .45 caliber pistol from the victim then fled on-foot.

AMC said that the victims were former NPA rebels who surrendered to the military and became enlisted personnel of the Army.

AMC added that Amares was arrested by the military in an encounter on March 23, 2012 and surrendered three firearms while De Leon surrendered to 76th Infantry Battalion along with two firearms on June 2009.

The victims apparently became instrumental in successful military operations in South Quezon that led to the capture of some of the rebels’ mass base.

AMC added that the victims were top priority target of the rebels’ operation team.

AMC warned that the killing of the two victims should serve as a warning to all ex-rebels, who choose to become military and police assets in counter insurgency plans.

http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-eliminates-2-former-comrades/