'Ex-NPA member' killed in Leyte police-military operation

An alleged former member of the New People’s Army linked to illegal drugs trade was killed in a law-enforcement operation in Leyte on Thursday, the military said Friday.

In a statement, 802nd Infantry Brigade spokesperson Captain Kaharudin Cadil identified the fatality as Nicolas Ibañez  or “Botoy”, who was an alleged former NPA guerilla, and later involved in gun-for-hire activities and illegal drugs trade.

Cadil said elements from the Philippine National Police and  the Army served a warrant for the arrest of certain Marlon Mendoza -- for frustrated murder -- in Barangay Anislagan in Calubian town.

Mendoza was working for Botoy, who was killed during the serving of the arrest warrant. 

According to the military, Ibañez and Mendoza fired at government troops first, sparking a five-minute firefight.

Ibañez was killed in the clash, while Mendoza managed to escape, Cadil said.

Among the recovered items were suspected shabu, a caliber .45 pistol, an AK-47 rifle, an M16 rifle, an M653 rifle, and different magazines and ammunition, the military said.

The military said Ibañez had direct connection with Juanito Silleza Jr. or “Tibor”, who was an alleged leader of the CPP-NPA in Leyte. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News