By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least two people were killed, while two others were seriously wounded, after suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked a community of former Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) members yesterday morning at Purok Mambinay in Barangay Locotan, Kabankalan City.

Police identified the fatalities as 23-year-old Jhonel Marbebe, a resident of the said area; and 59-year-old Bogie Vergara, a resident of Sitio Ilan in the said barangay.

The wounded were 42-year-old Jonathan Pragados and 18-year-old Ranel Banista.

Five other victims, meanwhile, managed to escape unharmed.

Based on initial investigation carried out by the Kabankalan City Police Station, the victims were sleeping when the suspected insurgent group, all of whom were men, began their attack.

The said victims were in the area to stand guard at a live construction site.

Following the attack, the NPA rebels took seven high-powered firearms from the victims and immediately fled.

The said area was donated by the provincial government following successful peace talks.

The community also contains schools, a day care center, and multi-purpose center.

Police are now conducting follow-up operations against the rebels./DGB, WDJ