Intel officer of Reds killed in South Cotabato —military

An alleged intelligence officer of the communist group was killed during a law enforcement operation in Polomolok, South Cotabato on Monday, the military said Tuesday. 

Brigadier General Roy Galido, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, said joint police and military forces were about to serve a warrant of arrest against John Nebris Omega, also known as ‘Parts,' ‘Bords,' ‘Albay’ and ‘Pards.'" 

The suspect was found hiding in his residence in Barangay Cannery at 1:15 p.m., the military said. 

Authorities said the suspect retaliated and fired shots at the government troops, prompting the police and military to retaliate, which resulted in a gun battle.

"As a result, target wanted person sustained injury and immediately brought to the hospital for medication but unfortunately declared dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician," said Lieutenant Colonel Zandro Alvez, commanding officer of Philippine Army's 5th Special Forces Battalion. 

Seized from the crime scene were one unit caliber .45 pistol, with one magazine loaded with live ammunition and some propaganda materials.

Authorities said Omega was an intelligence officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID); a former member of Regional Operations Command (ROC-R2), an Intelligence Unit of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) and Squad Special Operations Group of SMRC. 

He was being hunted by authorities over cases of kidnapping, serious illegal detention and robbery filed before Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region Branch 14, Davao City last April 22, 2019. 

Among the criminal activities the suspect was allegedly involved in were a raid in Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) detachment in Sitio Kamaruyan, Barangay Tagugpo, Lupon, Davao Oriental in 2004 and 2005; a raid in Magpet Police station in 2005; a raid in Dangcagan Police Station in 2007 and a raid in Banay-Banay Police Station in 2008. 

His group also allegedly raided a police station in San Isidro, Davao Oriental, and led the attack on the detachment in Luna Sur, Makilala, North Cotabato. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News