MANILA, Philippines - Suspected rebels tortured and shot dead a government militiaman in front of his family in Pandan town in Catanduanes Monday afternoon, a military spokesman said.

Maj. Harold Cabunoc, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Dvivision, said Elmer Eusebio was playing with his kids at his residence at Sta. Cruz village when 7 rebels barged inside his home at 4:30 p.m. and dragged him away.

“In front of his weeping family members, the NPA rebels tortured Eusebio until he was bleeding profusely due to rifle butt strokes. He was repeatedly shot in the different parts of his body by the unknown bandit leader while others watched, shouting ‘Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan,'” Cabunoc said.

Eusebio was brought to a hospital in the town but he was pronounced dead on arrival by attending physicians.

Cabunoc said Eusebio is the first militiaman to be killed by the rebels this year in the Bicol region. Last month, the rebels killed Pfc. Michael Sarza in Camalig town in Albay.

Last year, Cabunoc said 34 people were killed by the rebels. “This number includes military and police personnel, New People's Army rebels who were accused of being deep penetration agents and civilians who were suspected of being military informants,” he said.