Suspected NPA rebels shoot dead soldier, village chief in Northern Samar town

TACLOBAN CITY – A soldier and a village chief were shot dead by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in separate shooting incidents in Las Navas town in Northern Samar.

Private First Class John Vincent Bocaboc was killed after he and his team engaged at least 10 NPA rebels in a shootout in Barangay Victory, Las Navas town at past 8 p.m. last Friday, July 9.

Bocaboc, 31, was in the village as part of a community support program that aims to help clear the area of NPA control, said Lt. Sarah Jean Escubio, the civil-military officer of the 20th Infantry Battalion.

Village watchman Arnil Bantilo was hit on the foot while a bullet grazed a six-year-old girl’s head.

Both were treated at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman, Northern Samar.

The following day, July 10, Barangay San Andres Captain Crispin Nali Mordido was killed in a shootout with suspected NPA rebels in Barangay Lourdes, Las Navas town.

According to Lt. Ariel Baldoza, Las Navas Police chief, Mordido was reportedly invited by the communist rebels to a dialogue.

Mordido, 37, agreed to talk to the rebels, police said.

However, arriving at the area, Mordido noticed that the rebels had set him up, prompting the village chief to get his gun that was tucked in his waist.

Baldoza said a firefight then ensued which resulted in Mordido’s death.

The police chief said at least two wounded rebels were carried by their comrades while fleeing the scene.

Mordido, meabwhile, was rushed to a rural health unit but was declared dead on arrival.

Las Navas is among the towns in Northern Samar with an alleged strong NPA presence.

/MUF