2 'ranking' NPA members killed in Tarlac clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25): 2 'ranking' NPA members killed in Tarlac clash

Two ranking members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with combined police and military teams in San Manuel, Tarlac Wednesday.

In a report sent here, Senior Superintendent Ritchie Posadas, Tarlac police provincial director, identified the fatalities as Victorio Tesorio alias Ka Dong/Rico/Dado/Merto/Ikoy/Reto and Lolito Raza alias Ka Lanlan.

Posadas said Tesorio was first deputy secretary and company commander of Komiteng Rehiyon-Hilagang Silangan Luzon (KR-HSL) while Raza was company officer of Danilo Ben Command of WestCom, Northern Front, KR-HSL.

He said the raiding team armed with warrant of arrest swooped down the house of a certain Jose Dallente alias Caloy in Barangay San Miguel, San Manuel town where the two rebels were reportedly staying.

The two NPAs were issued warrants of arrest for murder, frustrated murder, rebellion, and attempted murder.

During the operation, the suspects resisted arrest and fired towards the operating teams that prompted the lawmen to retaliate.

After a brief of exchange of firefight, the two rebels were killed, Posadas said.

Recovered from the crime scene were a caliber .45 Llama pistol, a caliber .45 Colt, two hand grenades and several subversive documents.

Police said Dallente, the owner of the house, was arrested for harboring or concealing of criminals.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1022869