MANILA – Suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels killed the vice mayor of Jones, Isabela on Wednesday, police said.

The body of Vice Mayor Ronaldo Lucas was brought to the Prospero Bello Integrated Community Hospital.

Police Officer 3 Manuel Medina Jr., said Lucas and his group left around 5:15 a.m. to bring relief goods and calamity assistance cash to barangay Sta. Isabel, Dicamay 1 and 2.

The group's first destination was Dicamay 2. But while travelling in Sitio Dinangnang, the group was stopped by around 100 armed men who introduced themselves as members of the "Camus Command."

The armed group asked for their permit to campaign and took their cellphones, relief goods, and cash worth around P674,000.

At around 11 a.m., the convoy was asked to turn back but without Lucas, his two bodyguards and two volunteers.

Lucas' driver said they were told to leave and fetch other members who already arrived at Dicamay Dos.

However, around 1 p.m., the driver received information that the body of the vice mayor was found beside his vehicle.

An hour later, his body was recovered and brought to the hospital.

Authorities are investigating the case. Report from Harris Julio, ABS-CBN News