NPA leader slain in Samar clash

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines —  A New People’s Army (NPA) leader was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Samar on Tuesday.

The military said Allan Aguilando, secretary of the Sangay ng Partido sa Platun Sub-Regional Committee Emporium, was with a group of NPA rebels harassing residents of Barangay New Rizal in Catarman when they clashed with soldiers of the 43rd Infantry Battalion.

In North Cotabato, NPA finance officer Cirilo Amit and his companions Alex Zurita and Roberto Aspura were arrested in Matalam town, also on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong of the 602nd Infantry Brigade said local government executives and barangay officials led police and military operatives to the hideout of the rebels.