By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The unidentified individual killed during a recent ambush in Sipalay City is currently being investigated for possible links to the New People’s Army (NPA).

During a radio interview yesterday, Patrolman Marc Madayag, investigator for the Sipalay City Police Station, said the fatality, who was identified only by the alias ‘Rex,’ was initially revived by paramedics but later passed away while being transferred to the Kabankalan City District Hospital.

Madayag said they are still unable to confirm the identity of the victim, except for subversive NPA documents recovered from his remains.

Authorities also revealed the sport utility vehicle the victims were using was rented from a certain Rosemar Dolatre and carrying books and medical supplies.

Dolatre claimed it was Rex who asked her if they could borrow the vehicle as they were supposedly “picking something up in Sipalay City.”

The wounded, identified as 30-year-old Joemar Garcia, is now in stable condition but is currently still undergoing treatment at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.

Last Wednesday night, around 10 heavily-armed men opened fire at Rex and Garcia’s vehicle in Barangay Maricalum in Sipalay City.

Sipalay City police recovered a total of 70 empty shells from a .45 caliber firearm, along with 9mm firearms, from the crime scene./DGB, WDJ