MANILA, Philippines--A civilian volunteer was shot dead Thursday morning by suspected members of the New People’s Army in New Bataan, Compotela Valley, police said.

The victim was identified as Benjie Bertiales, 37, an active civilian officer, Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, Compostela Valley provincial police chief.

Armed men shot Bertiales while he was cutting trees at Purok 3b in the village of San Roque.

Police said the victim was reported to have been a "diehard anti-Communist."