Alleged NPA behind death of Agusan del Sur ex-mayor, son killed in Cebu

October 12, 2020

An alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) said involved in the five-year-old killing of the former mayor of Loreto, Agusan del Sur was killed while his companion  was arrested in a law enforcement operation in Cebu on Sunday night.

Maj. Eduardo Precioso Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command public information officer, said killed was Denis Rodinas, reportedly the mastermind of NPA atrocities, including the killing of Dario Otaza and his son Daryl in Butuan City.

Precioso said the Otazas were among the victims of NPA lumad killings in Mindanao. They were abducted by NPAs who were disguised as NBI agents in Butuan City on October 20, 2015.

"By virtue of five warrants of arrest issued at Branch 3, Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region and were transferred to Branch 56, RTC in Compostella, Davao de Oro for murder, terroristic acts and other heinous crimes, authorities were able to serve all of these to Rodinas and his companion, Gerlie Mercado alias Sol, also a top NPA terrorist under Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, at their hideout in Brgy Pong-ol Sibugay, Cebu City," he said.

"Rodinas died after he fought back against arresting officers while Mercado is with the custody of the arresting PNP and jailed at the regional PNP station," he added.

Precioso said government forces recovered "one KIA Rio sedan, one 45 cal pistol, three units nokia phone, one Huawei cellphone, one Huawei cellphone, one Samsung duos, one Oppo, one Nokia (keypad), one Samsung (keypad), one My Phone (keypad), Equilibrium ID in the name of Denver Juentez and one  ID certificate of employment."

Col Jerry Borja, Commander, Task Force, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (TF-CBS), Philippine Army recognized the contribution of civilians who reported the presence of of Rodinas and Mercado.

“We thank the villagers who tipped-off the location of Rodinas. We were able to plan out and implement all measures that will ensure the swift arrest as well as the safety of the people nearby during the operation," he said.

Lt Gen Roberto Ancan, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command, said the military will continue "the momentum until the last NPA shall decide to put an end to their atrocities".

“This operation is also dedicated to our soldiers and policemen, who died during the years of chase to Rodinas in NPA lairs in Mindanao.” said Ancan. Robina Asido/DMS