Two shot dead in Butuan City

A father and son, who supposedly provided tips leading to the arrest of New People's Army (NPA) leaders, were killed in Sitio Lamosig, Barangay Tungao in Butuan City. Dario Balat, 60, was hacked dead by unknown assailants on Sunday. He sustained fatal wounds on his neck and armpit. His 31-year-old son, Jessue, was gunned down Monday morning as he prepared for his father's burial. He died from four gunshot wounds on his head, chest and lower abdomen. Fearful for their own safety, the victims' bereaved family said they will not file any complaint. They have also refused to submit the victims' bodies for autopsy tests. Authorities, meanwhile, neither denied nor confirmed the victims' reported role in a recent series of arrests against suspected NPA rebels in the area. High-powered firearms, ammunition and a homemade bomb were also confiscated during the operation.