COLLARED. Army and police personnel arrested a suspected member of the New People's Army in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Oct. 13, 2021. The suspect, shown in photo, is linked to the killing of a soldier in 2019 and four civilians in May this year. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The arrest of a wanted rebel of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental early this week is attributed to the support and participation of the community in the government’s anti-insurgency efforts.
A media release from the 62nd Infantry “Unifier” Battalion (62IB) of the Philippine Army on Friday afternoon identified the arrested rebel as Reagan Taub, alias “Apyot”, 35, married, a member of the NPA’s Central Negros 1.
Army troops and Guihulngan Police Station personnel arrested Taub on Wednesday in Sitio Binitibotan, Barangay Calupa-an by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder, dated Jan. 21, 2019 and issued by Judge Mario Trinidad of the Regional Trial Court Branch 64.
No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.
The law enforcers confiscated a .45-caliber pistol and various “subversive” documents from the rebel.
Taub is the primary suspect in two murder cases, namely, for the death in 2019 of the assistant patrol base commander of Candalanon detachment identified only as Sgt. De Ramas, and the killing of four civilians inside their own homes in Sitio Agit, Barangay Trinidad in Guihulngan City on May 14 this year.
“It is a clear manifestation that the residents from north to south of Guihulngan City are willing to help the government in promoting peace and security in (their city),” Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, battalion commander of the 62IB, said.
Flores was quoted as saying he appreciates the efforts of Barangay Calupa-an residents for “giving valid and true information” on Taub to the military and the police.
He reiterated his call to the remaining NPA members to surrender and lay down their arms and avail of government programs, such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.
“Be with your family in your own home and not in jail. Together, we will bring peace and development in Central Negros,” the Army commander said.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
