Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, director of Police Regional Office 5. (PNA file photo)
LEGAZPI CITY – Formal charges for murder and frustrated murder have been filed by the police against 24 suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels responsible for detonating anti-personnel mine (APM) that killed Far Eastern University football player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon in Masbate City last June 6.
In a statement on Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol), said the Masbate police have submitted to the city prosecutor’s office the list of NPA rebels' names that were responsible for the explosion that harmed a group of bikers led by the Absalons.
Estomo said included in the complaint list were: Eddie Rosero alias Ka Star; Lara Lagac alias Ka Ivan/Kian; Sonny Diamos; Eddie Basical Eser alias Ka Nono; Mario Esparaguerra alias Ka Mayong; Capitalio Mallo alias Ka M.I.; Diolito Medina alias Ka Michael/Uno; Arlene Salazar Rance; Lloyd Mores Escorel; Ronel Plana Rodio alias Ka Moting; Jomar Tugbo alias Ka Alden; Jemuel Dublin; Allan Goyala; Dolores Bilibit alias Ka Oyeng; Jhun Bilibit alias Ka Paka; Lenie Cabarles alias Ka Onang; Richard Laurio alias Ka Nonem; Rolly Hermina; Jesmar Noel Jesmar alias Ka Jesmar; Marla Cańete Suson; Maila Cańete Suson; Gilbert Turing; and Allan Uling.
Also on the list was Mariel Suson, 22, of Cawayan, Masbate who was arrested on Tuesday for a separate murder case she is facing for the killing of Renerio Villamor on March 15, 2020.
Police probers said Suson is a daughter of Rogelio Suson alias Manong/Julio, secretary of the NPA Larangan 2 of the communist movement's Bicol Regional Party Committee. She, along with several other NPA members, was charged before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 45 in Masbate City presided by Judge Arnelo Mesa.
Estomo said the police have a strong case against the 24 rebels, with sufficient evidence and testimonies to pin them down in court.
Meanwhile, another NPA leader was nabbed on Wednesday in Uson town also in Masbate.
Estomo identified the rebel as Jennifer Nuñez, 45, secretary of a local rebel group under the Ka Daddy Command Larangan 1 guerilla front operating in the province.
According to the police report, the suspect is the wife of Rico Nuñez alias Aron/Dods, commander of the guerilla unit of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.
Policemen served the warrant of arrest to the suspect at her residence in Barangay San Jose.
Nuñez was among the group of communist rebels that detonated an APM and fired with their assault rifles at an ambulance, wounding Oliver Ocap, the driver, and his companion Florentino Muhilum, along the road in Barangay Bagacay, Mobo, Masbate on June 20, 2020.
The suspect is facing complaints of multiple attempted murders with PHP120,000 recommended bail.
Nuñez is now in the custody of the Uson Municipal Police Station for proper documentation.
Estomo lauded the operatives for the successful operation. “This is a manifestation of a strong determination of our policemen to arrest those who are not following the law,” he said.
“Makakaasa ang sambayanan sa isang matapat at pantay na pagpapatupad ng batas upang bigyan aksyon ang bawat isyu at suliraning ating kinakaharap. Hindi ang presensya ng NPA ang magpapatigil sa ating mga nasimulan. Panawagan ko lamang ang inyong patuloy na pagsuporta upang magawa natin ang iisa nating hangarin patungo sa ligtas at tahimik na pamayanan. (The people are assured of an honest and fair implementation of the law to act on every issue and problem that we encounter. The presence of the NPA will not stop us from doing what we started. We are also calling for your continuous support so that we can fulfill our goal for a safe and peaceful community),” Estomo added.
In a statement, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar described the move as a step closer to bringing justice to the Absalons.
“This is the promise we made to the families of Kieth and Nolven, to bring their deaths to justice and to hold those responsible accountable. The filing of charges against these suspects is a big step but this will not end here. We will not stop until we don't see the perpetrators behind bars," Eleazar said.
He said a complaint for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act is also being eyed against the suspects.
He added that capturing the suspects would also remove the fear and anxiety of Masbate City residents over further atrocities by the CPP-NPA.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
