NPA leader commits suicide

MANILA, Philippines - A ranking member of the New People’s Army committed suicide in his vehicle at a police checkpoint in Sto.Tomas town Monday afternoon.

Senior Superintendent Rosauro Acio, Batangas police director, identified the rebel as Edwin Villarin, alias Ka David/Mycel/Jason, commanding officer of Sentro De Grabedad Platon Komite Pang Probinsya ng Batangas.

Acio said combined elements of the police and military were manning a checkpoint near the STAR toll exit in Sto. Tomas when they flagged down Villarin’s Toyota High Ace van (JOW-928) at around 3:45 p.m.

Capt. Gene Orense, public information officer of the Army’s 202nd Infantry Brigade, said Villarin refused to step out from the vehicle. A few seconds later, a gunshot was heard inside the vehicle and police found Villarin slumped on his seat with a gunshot wound on his temple.

Orense said Villarin was tagged as the alleged killer of intelligence officer Superintendent Rodney Ramirez last July 12.