NPA leader killed in North Cotabato

DIGOS CITY – A high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a firefight with government troops on Saturday in Sitio Flortam, Barangay Batasan, Makilala, North Cotabato.

Lt. Colonel Rhojun Rosales, commander of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, said the body of Jacob Rodinas (who was also known as Jecko or Velum) , secretary of Guerrilla Front 51, was recovered around 7 a.m. on Sunday, a day after the encounter.

Rosales said the slain NPA leader had standing arrest warrants for various crimes, including arson, extortion, homicide and murder.

Rodinas and Juanito Pueblas, also known as “Taghoy” were top NPA leaders of GF-51, he said.

Pueblas was killed on July 21 in Barangay Astorga, Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur, along with his comrades. /ee