RHB leader in Bataan killed in encounter

BALANGA CITY – An alleged leader of the Rebolusyo­naryong Hukbong Bayan (RHB), a break away group of the New People’s Army was killed during a 20-minute firefight with combined police and army in Barangay San Juan, Samal, Bataan, over the weekend. 

Senior Superintendent Odelon Ramoneda, Bataan police director, identified the victim as Arturo Tolentino alias Ka Siano and Ka Turo , listed number 15 in the PNP’s Order of Battle, and  principal suspect for the murder of Chief Inspector Guillermo Tolentino, who was then an assistant intelligence officer of Bataan in 2000.

Tolentino had standing warrants of arrest for his involvement in various frustrated murder and homicide charges in the province.

Tolentino, reportedly a communications officer of the RHB, was sighted at Barangay San Juan, Samal by a police asset while talking to his relative early Saturday morning.

The suspected rebel leader was the subject of a manhunt operation by police authorities regarding his participation in the killing of decorated police officer Tolentino inside the Orani Cockpit Arena.

Upon securing the copy of a warrant of arrest docketed under Criminal Case 7782 issued by Bataan Judge Remigio Escalada Jr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 3, a composite team composed of the 303rd Provincial Mobile Group (PMG), Army and Police Intelligence Operatives, immediately proceeded to the area to serve the warrant.

While the government troopers were approaching the residence of one Rolando Dejoya, brother-in-law of the rebel leader Tolentino, the victim reportedly fired at them using a .45 caliber automatic pistol and the lawmen retaliated. An exchange of gunfire lasted for about 20 minutes with no casualty on the government side.

Police recovered two handheld radios, assorted cable antennae, Altec amplifier,  a military field jacket, several bullets for .45 caliber automatic pistol, and  M-14 rifle, three empty shells of .45 caliber automatic pistol and three empty shells of armalite rifle, one set gun cleaning kit, two holsters for .45 caliber automatic pistol and a bolt assembly for M-14 rifle.