Hurt NPA reb surrenders; another turns hired killer

 BALBALAN, Kalinga -- An alleged member of the New People’s Army surrendered to authorities here Sept. 24 here at Barangay Pantikian, saying he did so since he was suffering injury and experiencing hardship in the communist group.  

 Local government officials earlier coordinated with police for the surrender of Joseph “Ronald” L. Masadao, 53, here of Sitio Ubel, Gawaan.

Masadao was reportedly a member of the NPA’s Milisyang Bayan  under the command of Marcial Dagay operating in Kalinga and nearby provinces. 

 Alyas Ronald voluntarily surrendered to personnel of police and members of the 50th IB, Philippine Army at 4:20 p.m. and was immediately brought to Western Kalinga District Hospital for treatment and later referred to Kalinga Provincial Hospital.

Masadao’s injury was reportedly caused when a tunnel of Gaang Gold Mining here eroded.

Masadao is reportedly under “protection” of the army while financial assistance and livelihood opportunities were being prepared for him to start a new and peaceful life.

In Ilagan City, Isabela, A former N PA guerilla in Isabela turned hired killer was tagged as responsible to a series of killings.

Supt. Ariel N. Quilang, Ilagan police chief, reported to Region 2 police director Chief Supt. Robert G. Quenery that after two months of thorough investigation, they established evidence against Warlito Cardona alias “ Ka Rambo,” as the primary suspect in the series of killings in Ilagan.

A cross-matching examination by the ballistic examiner of the Scene of the Crime Operatives found out that the firearm used in the three shooting incidents transpired in Ilagan City.

His victims included identified as Kyle Lawrence Balisi, still in coma, and Villa Mae Sevilla, 22 years old, survived, both residents of Barangay Sta. Isabel, Ilagan City. – With a report from Liezel Basa Iñigo