A FORMER leader of the communist hit squad, Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) was shot dead in Barangay E. Lizares, Talisay City, Negros Occidental on Friday morning, October 4, 2019.

Police identified the fatality as 44-year-old Jicky "Ka Maitan" Casipe, a resident of Barangay Dos Hermanas, Talisay City.

Talisay City police lead investigator Police Master Sargeant Rihael Trujillo said based on their initial probe, Casipe was riding his motorcycle heading towards the city proper when he was shot by four to five assailants in two separate motorcycles.

As of this writing, Trujillo said he cannot reveal the number of gunshot wounds Casipe sustained, although he noted the victim was hit in the head.

The investigator believes the victim was likely driving his motorcycle when he was attacked, as he fell straight into an irrigation ditch.

Police recovered five empty .45 caliber shells at the crime scene.

Cops noted that the victim was carrying a firearm and a sling bag at the time of the incident. They believe the suspects have taken them away.

One of Casipe's relatives, who identified himself as "Amay," told members of the media that Casipe was a former member of the New People's Army but later switched to the RPA-ABB.

After moving to the RPA-ABB, he became a commander of the group in the area of Talisay and Silay.

He also said Casipe was one of the 3,000 RPA-ABB who went to Jamindan, Capiz and participated in a surrender ceremony last September.

Police are still investigating the motives of the murder. (TDE)