Ex-soldier killed by 3 alleged NPA rebels

PALO, Leyte — A former soldier, who worked as a tricycle driver upon his retirement, was killed by three armed men who identified themselves as communist rebels.

Retired Staff Sergeant Alberto Asis, 48, was driving his tricycle about 11:45 a.m. on Saturday when his three passengers shot him upon reaching Barangay Calutan, General Macarthur town in Eastern Samar.

Chief Insp. Bella Rentuaya, Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas spokesperson, said the perpetrators allegedly shouted, “Mga NPA kami (We are members of the New People’s Army),” after shooting the victim.

Rentuaya said an investigation was being conducted to determine the identities of the gunmen and if they were really communist rebels.

Asis recently retired after more than 20 years in the military service. He bought a tricycle using his retirement money to be able to continue earning a living and support his family. JE