NPA Sorsogon vice chair slain, 1 arrested in clash

LEGAZPI CITY — The vice chairman of New People’s Army in Sorsogon province was killed while his assistant was arrested in an encounter with authorities on Thursday morning.

Lt. Joseph Millarez, chief of Magallanes police, said while serving a warrant of arrest for murder and illegal possesion of firearms, Edwin Dematera, aka Dupax, fired at the arresting officers that led to a five-minute firefight in Barangay Incarizan at 12:10 a.m.

Dematera was killed while his assistant Jimuel Non was arrested for illegal possesion of firearms.

“The suspect immediately fired at the team upon noticing the arrest and authorities retaliated,” he said.

Millarez said Non is now in the custody of the police for inquest proceedings.

Recovered from the suspects were a loaded caliber .45 gun and a caliber .38 pistol. (Editor: Leti Boniol)