Rebel leader in Absalon case killed
Rosero and his followers resisted arrest and engaged operatives in a 30-minute firefight, the regional police said
Among those killed was Eddie ‘Arnold’ Rosero, alias ‘Ka Star,’ platoon leader of Larangan 1, Komiteng Probinsya-4 under the Bicol Regional Party Committee.
A local leader of the New People’s Army and four of his followers were killed in a raid by security forces in Mandaon, Masbate, Sunday morning, police reported.
Among those killed was Eddie “Arnold” Rosero, alias “Ka Star,” platoon leader of Larangan 1, Komiteng Probinsya-4 under the Bicol Regional Party Committee, said Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol regional police spokesperson.
Authorities have yet to make available the other fatalities’ names, as of this writing.
Lawmen served arrest warrants against Rosero and his followers in Barangay Bugtong, around 5:30 a.m., the regional police said.
Rosero and some of his followers were facing various charges, including five counts of murder and attempted murder.
Earlier this year, police filed murder and frustrated murder charges against Rosero and 23 others for the landmine and gun attack that left varsity football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven dead, and another relative injured, in Masbate City on 6 June.
It was not immediately known if those charges were among the subjects of the warrants served.
Rosero and his followers resisted arrest and engaged operatives in a 30-minute firefight, the regional police said.
No one was killed or injured among the operatives, who recovered three M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, two caliber-.45 pistols, magazines and ammunition, an improvised bomb with a detonating cord, and a bandolier from the slain suspects.
Also recovered were various rebel documents and paraphernalia, including a list of offensive operations against government personnel and vital installations, police said.
Pursuit and clearing up operations were still being conducted Sunday afternoon against rebels who escaped the raid.