Reds own up to slay of Tarlac police major

TARLAC CITY — The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has finally admitted that its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), was behind the killing of a police major here last month.

In the latest issue of Ang Bayan, the communists’ official newspaper, the CPP said "Red fighters" were the ones who killed Chief Inspector Arturo Pabustan last Oct. 29.

Pabustan, who then headed the 312th Police Mobile Group in the province, was riddled with M-16 and caliber .45 bullets by six to seven gunmen in La Paz town while on his way to the office.

Shortly after the incident, the NPA’s Nelson Mesina Command claimed responsibility for his death.

Pabustan’s unit has been extensively engaged in counter-insurgency operations. Last January, it joined forces with the Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion and killed 14 rebels in a clash in Sta. Ignacia town. — Benjie Villa