Friday, February 01, 2008 Suspected rebel member killed
CAMP OLIVAS -- A suspected member of the New People's Army (NPA) was killed in a shooting incident in Barangay San Jose Malino in Mexico town last Thursday.
Police identified the victim as Bener Patdu Ramos, 36, a former Youth Council chairman, and a resident of said village.
Two persons, on board a motorcycle, at 3 p.m. Thursday assaulted Ramos who was then chatting with his friends.
Using a .45 caliber pistol, one of the suspects shot Ramos at close range.
The victim sustained two gunshot wounds on the head causing his instantaneous death.
Witnesses told police investigators that Ramos previously worked for former Mexico Mayor Ernesto Punzalan and Senator Lito Lapid.
Sources said Ramos went into hiding during the height of the government's campaign against NPA rebels in Central Luzon initiated by retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. earlier said the campaign against the NPA "will be bloody."
