Cebuano rebel slain in Leyte encounter

A Cebuano who is a native of Carcar town suspected of being the secretary of the Northern Leyte Front of the New People's Army was killed in an encounter with the members of the 19th Infantry Battalion last Monday in barangay Libertad, Canangga town, Southern Leyte.

Philippine Army 19th IB commander Lt. Col. Louie Dagoy in a telephone interview with The FREEMAN identified the alleged rebel leader as Viviano Rentillosa, who is in his 50s and a native of barangay Liburon, Carcar town, Cebu.

Dagoy said that Rentillosa led the heavily-armed 20-man Buhawi Platoon under the Northern Leyte Front when chanced upon by the 19th IB's Alpha Company and Reconnaissance platoon which has been pursuing them since last August 30 after an encounter in barangay Cabungahan, Villaba town.

Rentillosa's men were reportedly resting in a grassy field outside the main settlement of Libertad when spotted by the troops.

The rebels, allegedly armed with machineguns and M203 grenade launchers, were surprised when the troops opened fire first.

After exchanging fire for a few minutes the rebels retreated towards a thick forest dragging with them at least three wounded rebels and left Rentillosa's body.

Soldiers recovered a .45 caliber pistol with live bullets and subversive documents from Rentillosa.

The Army has tagged Rentillosa's group as responsible for the death of Pfc. Breastheart Begayo and wounding five soldiers during the August 30 encounter in barangay Cabungahan when the rebels were spotted while allegedly on a propaganda campaign.

Rentillosa's daughter Liezl Laurente, was brought to the V. Rama Funeral Homes in Ormoc City yesterday to identify her father. She is married to another rebel and is now facing rebellion charges before the Ormoc City Regional Trial Court after being arrested last July 8. - Edwin Ian Melecio/BRP'