Village captain, friend die in Ligao City ambush

MANILA, Philippines - A village captain and his friend died in Ligao City in Albay province after they were ambushed by suspected members of the communist New People's Army, radio dzBB reported Saturday afternoon. The report cited information from the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City identifying the victims as Manolo Basilan, president of the association of barangays (villages) in Ligao, and his friend Jessie Briones. Basilan was said to be riding a motorcycle being driven by Briones when they were attacked by three armed men in Herrera village at about 7 a.m., Saturday. DzBB said the three escaped on board a tricycle. Authorities reportedly said Basilan had begun receiving threats after he was elected as head of the village association. - GMANews.TV