Suspected ranking NPA official, 4 others killed in South Cotabato clash — military

A suspected ranking official of the New People's Army (NPA) and his alleged comrades were killed after reportedly resisting arrest in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato early morning Wednesday.

The Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command said government troops were about to serve  warrants of arrest for murder and other cases to Romeo Libron, also known as Frank or Melvin, when he and his companions pulled their firearms and fired shots at the authorities in Barangay Ned.

A gun battle transpired, which resulted in the killing of Libron, his wife Merly, and three others who were later identified as Rogelio "Sarge" Magsaya, one Macoy, and a certain Megan.

WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr. said Libron was allegedly the commanding officer of the Regional Ordnance, Regional Operations Command of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“Based on the report from the ground, Libron’s group was tagged in recent bombings of buses, construction equipment, and business establishments in central Mindanao whose owners refused to shell out 'protection money' on a periodic basis,” Vinluan said.

“He is also wanted for heinous offenses, including multiple murder, extortion, and arson,” he added.

The military said one Carbine rifle, an Elisco M16 rifle, one caliber .45 pistol, one 9 millimeter Glock 19 pistol, two improvised explosive devices, some IED components, and other propaganda materials have been recovered in the encounter site.

Brigadier General Roy Galido, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the seized items were already turned over to Lake Sebu Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, praised the operating troops for the latest accomplishment. He also tasked the troops of the 5th Special Forces Battalion to heighten security alert against possible retaliation of the NPA.

“We continue to beef up our military and joint operations to let peace and progress reign in central Mindanao,” Uy said. — RSJ, GMA News