Trader killed for failing to pay extortion money

MANILA, Philippines - A businessman in Agusan del Norte was shot to death by suspected communist rebels for allegedly failing to comply with their extortion demands.

Superintendent Martin Gamba, spokesman of the Caraga Police Regional Office, identified the victim as Isidro Api, a resident of Barangay Bangonay in Jabonga town.

Gamba said the victim was shot using a still unidentified firearm last Thursday in Sitio Inayawan in Barangay Bangonay at around 3 p.m.

Gamba said a local unit of the New People’s Army under a certain alias “Rosel” was behind the incident. Authorities are now running after the perpetrators.

The military estimates that the NPA extorted more than P25 million from individuals and businesses last year.