LEGAZPI CITY – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels with standing warrants for murder cases were arrested while three others surrendered to police authorities in Masbate on Monday, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) said Tuesday.
Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said in a report, the police and military arrested in Cataingan, Delmo Moneno, 53, and Arthus Abejuela, 48, both of Barangay Nadawisan.
"They are charged with the crime of murder issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 49, Cataingan, Masbate," she said.
Calubaquib said the suspects are members of Larangan 2, Komite ng Probinsya 4 under the Rogelio Suson Command.
"The group is responsible for the violent acts and extortion activities launched against government officials, businessmen, and innocent civilians in the 3rd District of Masbate," she added.
Meanwhile, three barangay officials also in Cataingan returned to the fold of the law after a series of negotiations.
Calubaquib said the three were also members of the Rogelio Suson Command who served as the lookouts of the rebels in the area and provided financial support and food supply to the group.
“We assure the public that in the coming days we shall continue to embark on our programs and initiatives to rip to shreds the insurgents and foil their hostile acts," Brig. Gen. Mario Reyes, PRO-5 director, said in a statement.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)
