NPA rebels kill two IP members in Bukidnon

MANILA -- Troopers from the Cagayan De Oro-based 4th Infantry Division are now in hot pursuit against the New People's Army (NPA) band who shot and killed two Talaandig tribesmen in Bukidnon Sunday.Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the rebels are from the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee allegedly led by one Alexander Llesis.He said the incident took place 8 a.m. at Sitio Nasilic, Barangay Lilingayon, Valencia City.Martinez identified the fatalities as brothers Reymund Dayo Licanay, 21 and Roy Dayo, 18, both residents of Purok 15, Sitio Tandakol, Barangay Lilingayon.Both victims belong to Talaandig Tribe of the Indigenous People in Bukidnon.The two were hunting when waylaid by the rebels, who tortured the two before shooting them dead with their AK-47 and M-14 automatic rifles.Martinez said the NPAs killed the victims for refusing to join their organization despite repeated attempts.4th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Oscar T Lactao said, This is a clear evidence of NPAs continuous crimes against the Indigenous People. We condemn the said killing. (PNA)RMA/PFN and//www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=0