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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Ex-NPA commander nabbed in Surigao del Sur

Ex-NPA commander nabbed in Surigao del Sur

Published Jun 11, 2025 02:17 pm
BUTUAN CITY – The Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) announced on Wednesday the arrest of a former high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) commander who had eluded capture for years and is facing multiple criminal charges in court.
SDNPPO Director Police Col. Warren Dablo identified the suspect as Pio Gato Jr., alias Jama, 41.
Gato was described as the former commanding officer of NPA Guerrilla Front 16-A operating under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The suspect was apprehended on Monday during a manhunt operation carried out by the 1st Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Dablo said the suspect has outstanding arrest warrants murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder. These warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; RTC Branch 30 in Surigao City; and the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Jabonga-Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.
“The subject NPA commander was responsible for the attack on Alegria Municipal Police Station on July 10, 2014, during which 17 light weapons and several small arms were taken, and two police personnel were seriously wounded,” Dablo said.
Following that attack, Gato’s group also abducted four police personnel in Barangay Pungtod in Alegria.
Gato allegedly participated in the attack on Taganito Mining Corp. on Oct. 3, 2011 which resulted in P580 million in damages to the firm.
“He was also identified as the NPA leader who ambushed Army troops in Sison, Surigao del Norte, sometime in 2013, and burned a truck loaded with copra in Barangay San Juan, Alegria town,” Dablo added.
The suspect is now under the custody of the 1st SDN PMFC for proper disposition and the continuation of legal proceedings. (PNA)

Related Tags

New People\'s Army . NPA Surigao del Norte SDNPPO Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office Arrest Wanted person
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