IRIGA CITY – A member of the Philippine Army, who was assigned as detachment commander of Charlie Company based in Brgy. San Pedro, this city, was shot to death by several armed men believed to be members of CPP-NPA the other week.

        Initial police investigation disclosed that the 42-year old victim identified as SSG Nestor Esmeria y Ibasco of Brgy. Apod, Ragay, Camarines Sur was waylaid by the perpetrators while on board his motorcycle along San Pedro-Sta. Maria Boundary.

        Officers on case SPO1 Miguelito Borromeo and PO2 Wendel Abaño told the Bicol Mail that prior to the bloody incident, the victim was spotted by some witnesses fetching water at Sitio Tubigan, Brgy. Sta. Maria and heading towards the Army Detachment.

        The victim sustained gunshot wounds in the different parts of his body causing his instantaneous death while the suspects hurriedly fled on board, a motorcycle, a yellow Honda XSM without plate number going to an undisclosed direction, the police said.

        Immediately after the incident was reported by 2nd Lt. Junnerick Malicad, Company Ex-O, 22nd B. Charlie Company of Phil. Army, this city’s Chief of Police, P/Supt Tomasito Clet organized a team with Army soldiers to launch a hot pursuit operation against the fleeing enemies.

        As of this reporting period, no one has claimed responsibility for the killing.