CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Two high-ranking leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army were arrested in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur on Thursday, Sept. 11.
The Police Regional Office 13-Regional Operations Division (PRO 13-ROD) said they are undegoing tactical investigation by authorities.
“Yes, they are still under investigation,” PRO 13-Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.
Arrested were a 29-year-old vice team leader of Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP) Squad 1, Platoon Banglas, under the dismantled Guerrilla Front 88, South Regional Command 3 of the Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
He was listed as the third most wanted person in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) and was caught in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. He was charged with murder with no bail recommended.
Also apprehended was the 49-year-old commanding officer of the weakened Guerrilla Front 30, SRC Westland, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
He was arrested in Carmen, Surigao del Sur for violating Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), multiple attempted murder, and seven counts of attempted murder with a total bail of P1 million. He also faces five counts of non-bailable murder and kidnapping with serious illegal detention cases.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV commended operating units for the arrest of the CPP-NPA leaders.
Meanwhile, the 53-year-old regional coordinator of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) in the NEMRC white area committee voluntarily surrendered to the Cabadbaran City Police Station in Agusan del Norte. He turned over a caliber .45 Colt MKIV pistol and bullets.
A 29-year-old squad leader and medic of Squad 2 Alpha under the Regional Sentro de Gravidad of the NEMRC also surrendered to authorities in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. He yielded one rifle grenade and sensitive documents.