NPA attacks anew in Bicol town

DAET, Camarines Norte — A barangay councilor died on the spot while the barangay captain of Cabatuan in Labo, Camarines Norte is now in critical condition after they were shot Sunday afternoon by two armed men believed to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Senior Superintendent Florencio Magundayao, Camarines Norte police director, said that Melandro Velenzuela, a former soldier and Cabatuan barangay councilman together with Barangay Captain Jose Mabanlo were shot at close range using an M-16 rifle and a caliber .45 pistol by two unidentified armed men in Sitio Cabungahan at about 1 p.m.

Magundayao said that Velenzuela died on the spot from five gunshot wounds while Mabanlo, who is now confined at the Calaug District Hospital in Quezon province, sustained three gunshot wounds.

The armed men reportedly walked casually towards the adjacent barangay after the incident.

Meanwhile, in Gubat, Sorsogon, Barangay Captain Pedro Escote Jr. of Barangay Jupi was stabbed by Dennis Lagajero and a certain Ben while in a drinking session.

The victim, who is now confined at the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital, is in serious condition. The suspect surrendered to the police.