Alleged Reds shoot dead cop in Compostela Valley

MANILA, Philippines - Suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels shot dead a policeman during what police claimed was a "test mission" in Compostela Valley province Wednesday morning. Radio dzBB's Davao affiliate reported that police killed one of the three NPA Sparrow unit members and arrested the other two after a brief firefight. The incident occurred at Pantukan town in Compostela Valley past 8 a.m., the report said. Killed by the motorcycle-riding NPAs was SPO1 Hermogenes Loboc, who was waiting for a bus to take him to the police station in Mabini town. While the report did not identify the slain NPA member, police identified the two captured rebels as Randy Beltran, 29; and Robert Espaloga, 18. Police said Beltran was the driver of the motorcycle while Espaloga was the gunman. Police suspect the killing was a test mission for Espaloga. - GMANews.TV