TACLOBAN CITY – A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and his aide were killed in a firefight with government troopers in the town of Palapag, Northern Samar early dawn on Saturday, June 20.
Zalday Meraya, the alleged finance officer of SRC Arctic—an armed group that operates in the different coastal towns of the province, allegedly shoot it out with the military who went to his hideout in Barangay Bagacay to serve his arrest warrant for multiple attempted murder.
Also killed was his aide identified as Bebe Tobino.
Lt. Sarah Jane Escobio, civil-military operations officer of the 20th Infantry Battalion, said the military tried to peacefully talk with Meraya but the NPA leader and Tobino allegedly opened fire, prompting the troopers to return fire.
Seized from Meraya and Tobino were two .45 caliber pistols, a laptop, 12 mobile phones, and assorted subversive documents.
Based on the investigation of the military, Meraya’s group is allegedly engaged in extortion activities, targeting various government projects and business establishments in Northern Samar.