3 street vendors killed by NPAs in Masbate town, say police

LEGAZPI CITY — Three street vendors selling housewares were abducted and later killed Saturday by armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Palanas town in Masbate province, the police said Sunday.

Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson identified the victims as Jose, 51; Jestoni, 22; and Joey, all surnamed Lalaguna.

A police report said the victims, while onboard their motorcycles, were flagged down and abducted by 30 alleged members of the NPA at the vicinity of Barangay (village) Miabas, in the said town at around 7 a.m.

Several hours after the abduction, at around 4 p.m., the dead bodies of Jose and Jestoni were discovered on the road in nearby Barangay Piña.

The body of Joey was found later at around 4:30 p.m. in the sub-village of Umawas in Barangay Malibas.

The police report said the bodies of the victims “bore fatal wounds in various parts of their bodies that caused their death.”

The bodies of the street vendors, who sold floormats, speakers, and mirrors, were brought to the rural health unit to undergo post mortem examination while an investigation continues.

/MUF