Leftist group admits killing Muntinlupa businessman

MANILA, Philippines - The left-wing Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA)-Alex Boncayao Brigade (ABB) has owned up to the killing of a 45-year-old businessman in Muntinlupa City Sunday night.

In a statement, RPA-ABB’s Carlito Manawag claimed responsibility for the death of Santiago Maritana, 50.

Manawag said they received reliable information from concerned residents that Maritana tops the list of those engaged in drug pushing, particularly of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, in the city. This reportedly led the RPA-ABB to impose on Maritana “the highest form of punishment that is death.”

Manawag, though, said they are extending their deepest condolences and apologies to the family of Police Officer 1 Erick del Monte, who was slain in the incident when he and other policemen rushed to the scene.  

Further, Manawag said his group is condemning the local police officers who reportedly subjected two RPA-ABB members to summary execution.

Police said Maritana, Del Monte and the unidentified members of the RPA-ABB were killed in a shootout at around 6 p.m. Sunday.

Initial investigation said the four armed suspects waylaid Maritana, 50, at the barangay hall of Barangay Cupang.

Members of the city police’s Special Weapons And Tactics team pursued and killed two of the gunmen.

Three bystanders – identified as Jacob Capuno, Jhonlery Timotio and Roland Lagartos – were hurt in the shootout.

Two of the gunmen, who turned out to be members of the RPA-ABB, escaped.