Alleged CPP-NPA commander killed in Albay clash, PNP says

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said a commanding officer of a communist rebel group was killed in a confrontation with the local cops in Daraga, Albay on Saturday.

In a statement, PNP Officer-In-Charge Police Lieutenant General identified the fatality as Antonio Abadeza or "Flatop/Alden/Troy.”

The operation stemmed from a report from a concerned citizen that Abadeza was allegedly extorting money from some small businessmen in Barangay Anislag.

Operating police and military troops responded to the area where they flagged down Abadeza, who was on his motorcycle.

“But instead of heeding, Abadeza fired at the operating team which prompted them to fire back,” Danao said.

“As a result, the accused was wounded and brought to [Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital], Legazpi City, however, was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician,” he added.

The PNP said Abadeza is listed in the Periodic Status Report (PSR) as vice commanding officer of the rebel group Communist Party of the Philippines under KP3 PLTN3, KSPN3.

According to the police, he also has outstanding warrants of arrest for attempted murder (2 counts), robbery with homicide, and murder.

Among the recovered items from the area were an unknown caliber of firearm loaded with eight live ammunition, an extra magazine loaded with six live ammo, four fired cartridge cases, a wallet containing P11,710 cash, assorted subversive documents, and a Yamaha Crypton motorcycle, the PNP said. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News