AN EMPLOYEE of the Municipality of Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental was shot to death by suspected rebels at Sitio Tibobong in Barangay Quintin Remo Sunday, November 12.

Police identified the fatality as Bernard Calteo, 36, personnel of the town’s Civil Security.

Senior Inspector Alan Reloj, town police chief, said Calteo was watching a cockfight past 2 p.m. when three unidentified armed men arrived and fired at him.

“He was shot at close range,” Reloj said.

The assailants escaped on foot but some residents in the area heard them shouting, “New People’s Army (NPA) kami.”

Recovered from the scene were three fired bullets of .45 caliber pistol.

Reloj said they cannot yet establish the motive but they are eyeing three angles.

He said the incident might have been triggered by hatred because of his work or due to personal matters while he was staying in Negros Oriental.

Reloj said the victim had also claimed to be a member of NPA.