By Raydes Barcia
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Legazpi City—Suspected communist guerilla was killed after fighting against the government forces, the Philippine National Police regional command in Bicol reported on Sunday evening here.
Police Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PNP regional spokesperson said that a ranking rebel officer was killed yesterday at Zone 7, Barangay Anislag, Daraga town in Albay.
Citing the report from Albay Police Provincial Office, Calubaquib said that the joint forces of PNP and Philippine Army were about to serve the warrant of arrest against Antonio Abadeza “Alyas Flatops” following the information tipped off by a concerned citizen that he was sighted at Zone 7, Anislag village at about 3:30 PM allegedly extorting money from a small businessman.
She said that PNP and Army operatives proceeded to the area and confirmed the presence of the Abadeza.
“The suspect while on board his motorcycle noticed the authorities positioned along the road. They tried to stop the suspect but the latter suddenly drew a firearm and fired upon the troops. Sensing imminent danger, government troops retaliated that resulted in the neutralization of the suspect,” she said.
Abadeza is the vice commanding officer under the Komite ng Probinsya 3, Platoon 3, Komiteng Sangay sa Platoon, LG Albay according to Calubaquib.
She said that Abadeza has standing warrants of arrest for the crimes of attempted murder; homicide; attempted murder; robbery with homicide and murder.
Recovered from the crime scene were one unknown caliber of firearm loaded with eight full metal ammunitions; one-piece extra magazine loaded with six live ammunitions; four pieces of fired cartridge cases; one-piece black sling bag with TM “Hawk” containing one piece net pouch bag with flash drive; eye drop and 11 pieces of live ammunitions; and three pieces of green permit to campaign sticker.
Other seized items from the suspect were one brown wallet containing cash money amounting to P11,710.00 in different denominations and assorted subversive documents.
The inventory of pieces of evidence were conducted in the presence of elected barangay officials in the said place and its custody remains at RFU5, Camp BGen Simeon A Ola, Legazpi City for ballistic and laboratory examinations.
No one was hurt on the government side.
“I humbly laud the efforts of our team and our counterparts from the Philippine Army for another successful operation. We also thank the community for their cooperation and support on our endeavors to solve our problems caused by this rebel group. With this, we remain firm and steadfast to do our part with the hope to create a violence-free and peaceful community”, Police Brig, Gen. Mario A. Reyes, PNP Bicol regional director said in a statement. (Raydes Barcia)