An alleged regional leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines whose group is operating on Panay Island, and his comrade died shooting it out with joint military-police operatives in Iloilo last Friday.
In a news release on Sunday, the military said separate clashes resulting in the deaths of the suspects took place in Pavia and Molo towns.
According to the military, Reynaldo Bocala alias "Bading," the head of CPP's regional finance bureau of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P), fought back with security forces serving warrants for his arrest in Providence Subdivision, Barangay Balabag, Pavia town on May 28.
Also killed in another clash on the same day was Bocala's companion Welly Epago Arguelles, who died in Barangay North Baluarte in Molo town.
According to the military report, Bocala was the husband of Maria Concepcion "Concha" Araneta, Deputy Secretary of CPP-New People's Army's KR-P.
Recovered from the areas of operation were two Cal.45 handguns, one laptop computer, and five cellular phones.
Bocala was accused of Robbery in Band with Frustrated Homicide and Damage to Property using motor vehicle and unlicensed firearms issued by Judge Susan Medina-Alcantara of 15th Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) in Guimbal, Iloilo on July 12, 2004, with bail bond fixed at P200, 000.00, the police report said.
Also, Bocala was subject to an arrest warrant for Robbery with Serious Physical Injuries issued by Judge Teodulo A. Colada of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 67, Guimbal, Iloilo on February 4, 2005, with bail bond fixed at P180, 000.00.
Furthermore, he was accused of violating PD 1744 (Destructive Arson) as amended by RA 7659 issued by Hon. Teodulo A. Colada, of RTC Br 67, Guimbal, Iloilo on February 21, 2005, with no bail recommended.
He was also indicted of murder issued by Judge Ma. Monina Misajon of MCTC Judge, Province of Antique, dated April 16, 1990, with no bail recommended.
Major General Eric C Vinoya, the Commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, was quoted in the report as saying, "Bocala is a notorious terrorist; thus, his death is a victory not only for the government's law enforcement operation but also for the people of Panay who suffered much from the cruelty of the communist terrorists." —LBG, GMA News
