Ex-rebel slain in clash with police, army in Ilocos Norte

CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte -- A former communist rebel was killed when he and five others reportedly clashed with policemen and army troopers in a village here night of Oct. 23.

Carlo Magbulos from barangay Gulpeng, Pinili town, was killed when his group fired at authorities who were alerted of an armed group’s presence in Barangay Cabuusan in the town.

Currimao police said when authorities were approaching Magbulos’ group, and declared they were police and military officers, they were fired at by the group.

A kin of Magbulos, however, said the former rebel had since surrendered two years ago and had returned to farming.

Magbulos, his family added, just came from the farm and was in the company of other farmers.

One of Magbulos' companions is now under tight security in a hospital, while two others are being held for questioning while two more were able to flee, authorities said.