Militiaman slain in Northern Samar

ORMOC CITY — A rebel returnee who became a militiaman was shot dead by still unidentified armed men on Thursday in Catubig town, Northern Samar.

The victim was identified as Jessie Rebay, 25, and a resident of Barangay P. Rebadulla, Catubig.

Police Major Rio Tan, Catubig police chief, said in a telephone interview that the victim was about to take a bath at the deep well near his boarding house about 6 a.m. on Feb. 28 when unidentified armed men shot him.

Rebay died on the spot, he added.

Tan said he believed that Rebay’s comrade in the New People’s Army may be behind the killing since the communist group may have borne a grudge when the victim decided to surrender and join the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit three years ago.