Suspected NPA leader killed in Mindoro clash

A suspected local communist commander was killed in an encounter with government security forces in Oriental Mindoro late Thursday night, the spokesperson for the National Police said. Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said the clash erupted 11:03 p.m. when government forces acted on information that a group of suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were conducting extortion activities at Sitio Payong, Orconoma village in Bongabong town. Espina said the rebels, instead of surrendering, engaged the troops in a firefight that lasted about five minutes. Two rebels were able to escape, but not Fernando Famorada alias Rolando/Chakoy/Jeff who was fatally hit during the firefight. Further investigation on Famorada revealed that he was the head of RBKU (Rebolusyonaryong Buwis mula sa Kalabang Uri), ISLACOM (Island Command) Mindoro and former platoon leader of Platoon 1, Kilusang Larangang Gerilya whose jurisdiction covers the ROMANBUL (Roxas, Mansalay Bulalakao) area. At the time of his death, the suspected rebel leader who carried a P700,000 bounty, was also facing charges of kidnapping and murder before the local courts in Mindoro. — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV