NDF leader cleared in ambush-slay

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines  â€“ The regional trial court in Ilagan City, Isabela acquitted last Wednesday due to insufficient evidence a consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF) charged in the 2005 ambush-slay of eight soldiers in San Mariano, Isabela.

Cleared was Randy Malayao, 41, who said he hopes to pursue peace efforts to end the decades-old insurgency problem in the country.

Malayao was captured in Cainta, Rizal in 2008 and was initially charged for complicity in the killing of Cagayan governor Rodolfo Aguinaldo but was later acquitted.

Malayao was allowed to post P100,000 bail last October.

Malayao was accompanied by his legal counsel, Lucky Damasen, as the decision of Judge Andrew Barcena was handed down.