3 dead in Quezon NPA attack

MANILA, Philippines - Suspected communist rebels killed two soldiers and a civilian in Gumaca, Quezon on Tuesday, the military said yesterday.

Pfc. Christopher Dingle, 31; Pfc. Alpasain Ikan, 32; and Marry Ann Brillantes, 46, were attending a birthday party in Barangay San Vicente when they were shot at around 7:45 p.m.

Senior Superintendent Ronald Ylagan, Quezon police director, said the three were pronounced dead on arrival at the Gumaca District Hospital.

Col. Rhoderick Parayno, chief of the 201st Infantry Brigade, said the gunmen introduced themselves as New People’s Army (NPA) members and warned civilians not to interfere. 

He condemned the murders, noting that the slain soldiers were unarmed and in civilian clothes.

“The victims were shot at close range. They were killed during the initial burst of fire. But the NPAs were not satisfied. They closed in and fired more rounds from AK-47 rifles and caliber .45 pistols,” Parayno said.  

He said Brillantes was able to run, but the NPA rebels chased her.

Ylagan said a manhunt for the suspects is underway. – Alexis Romero, Ed Amoroso