ILOILO CITY – A squad leader of the New People’s Army was arrested in Capiz province on Tuesday, June 25.
GUNS and bullets were seized from New People’s Army (NPA) squad leader Francisco Balois in Capiz province. (Army 301st IB)
The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army said that Francisco Balois, alias Tonying, was arrested in Maayon town.
The 56-year-old Balois, who had a bounty of P150,000 for his capture, was arrested for rebellion, murder, frustrated murder, unlawful possession of explosives, and robbery-in-band.
Balois led Squad 2 of Madia-as Dos of the NPA Central Front Committee in Panay Island.
Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, lauded the collaboration and cooperation among the 12th Infantry Battalion (IB), 82nd IB, the Maayon Municipal Police Station, and the Cuartero Municipal Police Station in the arrest of Balois.
Balois was allegedly engaged in extortion and targeted businessmen and construction firms in the central part of Capiz province.
“His arrest is good news for our businessmen, contractors, and politicians because he is a notorious extortionist. We are still consolidating more information and witnesses on the extent of his extortion activities,” added Brig. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade.
Balois yielded an M16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, a hand grenade, ammunition, a handheld radio, and assorted medicines.