Army intelligence officer killed by suspected NPA hit men

By Bobby Labalan
PDI-Southern Luzon Bureau

CASIGURAN, Sorsogon — An intelligence officer of the Philippine Army was shot dead here Saturday by suspected members of the New People’s Army’s Sparrow unit, police reported Sunday morning.

Chief Insp. Jose Pesonila, Casiguran police chief, identified the victim as Cpl. Johnny Raymundo, an intelligence officer of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion based in adjacent Juban town.

Pesonila said the victim suffered eight gunshot wounds and died instantly at the Casiguran municipal cockpit coliseum at around 3:45 p.m.

He added that at least four gunmen staged the attack based on the accounts of witnesses.

Police probers recovered eight empty shells from a .45 pistol at the crime scene.

Pesonila said the killers, however, failed to take the service firearm of the victim.

Lt. Col. Gregorio, commanding officer of the 2nd IB, said the victim was on a covert operation when he was killed.

He said the intelligence officer might have blown his cover and was “traced” by the killers.

The local NPA command has not issued any statement owning the killing of the agent.