Rebel leader slain in shootout with Isabela cops

CITY OF ILAGAN –– A high-ranking rebel leader was killed after he eluded arrest in San Agustin, Isabela on Tuesday, Jan. 26, authorities said.

Col. James Cipriano, Isabela police director, identified the slain rebel leader as Renato Busania alias “Ka Andong/Ace/Narding” of the New People’s Army-Kilusang Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley.

Cipriano said the police were trying to arrest Busania in Barangay Palacian based on two warrants issued by local courts for murder charges.

Busania allegedly fired at the arresting policemen and ran away, prompting them to shoot him.

Busania was declared dead on arrival at a hospital due to multiple gunshot wounds.

The police recovered a .45-caliber handgun and a hand grenade from Busania.

Busania was tagged as among those behind the killings of militant leaders Elena Mendiola and Renato Balauag, both Bayan Muna members, in May 2006.

He was also tagged in the attack on a police town hall in Maddela, Quirino that killed two persons in 2019. INQ

LZB