Militiaman killed, 1 hurt by suspected NPA men

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A militiaman was killed and another one wounded when armed motorcycle men believed to be members of the communist New People’s Army shot them in front of the Sto. Niño Elementary School in Arakan, Cotabato, at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Captain Mark Espiritu, commanding officer of the 10th Special Force based in Arakan, said Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members Rogelio Herbilla and Jerry Mendoza were on a motorcycle on their way back from attending a burial of a relative in Sitio Valencia in Barangay Salasang when the gunmen riding in trio on a black motorcycle fired at them.

Mendoza was rushed to a hospital in nearby Antipas town where he was declared dead, while Herbilla was brought to Kidapawan City Hospital for medical treatment. Both were assigned at the Barangay Salasang 23rd Cafgu detachment unit.

Responding troops recovered 25 empty shells of cal. 45 pistol on the scene.