Slain NPA rebel in Sorsogon identified as top NPA official  

INQUIRER File Photo

LEGAZPI CITY – The rebel killed in a clash in Juban town in Sorsogon on Tuesday has been identified as a high-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA), according to a military report on Wednesday, July 3.

Jose Arnel Esteller, 57, also known as “Mando,” “Arnel,” and “Ariston,” was the secretary of the Sub-regional Committee 3 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee, making him the highest-ranking official of the NPA in Sorsogon, according to a report of Major Frank Roldan, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

The 22nd Infantry Battalion had a 30-minute firefight with three NPA rebels in Barangay Biriran at 5:20 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, the Army reported earlier.

Relatives of Esteller confirmed his identity after the encounter. He joined the NPA in 1985 and was facing multiple murder and frustrated murder charges.

“He repeatedly ignored the call of the authorities and his family to return to the fold of the law because of the privilege he gets from being leader of the group,” Roldan said in a press statement.

His son, Jose Marie, also known as “Maria” or “Bagi,” who also leads a guerrilla unit in Sorsogon, was recently arrested in Batangas, the military said.