NPA rebel killed in Sorsogon identified as senior NPA official

By: Ma. Avril Mier-Manjares @MaAprilMierINQ – 15 minutes ago

Photo from INQUIRER file

LEGAZPI CITY – The rebel killed in a clash in Juban town in Sorsogon on Tuesday has been identified as a senior official of the New People's Army (NPA), according to a military report released Wednesday, July 3.

Jose Arnel Esteller, 57, also known as “Mando,” “Arnel” and “Ariston,” was the secretary of the Bicol Regional Party Committee Sub-Regional Committee 3, making him the top NPA official in Sorsogon, according to a report by Maj. Frank Roldan, spokesman for the Philippine Army's 95th Infantry Division.

The 22nd Infantry Battalion had a 30-minute firefight with three NPA rebels in Barangay Biriran at 5:20 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, the military reported earlier.

Esteller's relatives confirmed his identity after the meeting. He joined the NPA in 1985 and was accused of multiple murders and attempted murders.

“He has repeatedly ignored the calls of authorities and his family to return to the fold of the law because of the privilege he enjoys as the leader of the group,” Roldan said in a press release.

His son, Jose Marie, also known as “Maria” or “Bagi,” who also leads a guerrilla unit in Sorsogon, was recently arrested in Batangas, the military said.