Alleged NPA leader arrested by military in Sarangani

April 23, 2018

A wounded alleged leader of New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested seven hours after an encounter with the military in Sarangani province on Monday.

Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command, said the alleged rebel was Pablito Torno alias Jebjeb, “a vice commander of the NPA terrorist Group”.

Balagtey said troops were conducting pursuit operation after the encounter at the vicinity of Sitio Salbuyan, Brgy. Amsipit, Maasim when they captured Torno.

“The pursuing troops captured a wounded NPA   along Sitio Lunay, Brgy. Amsipit, Maasim, Sarangani Province seven hours after the encounter,” he said.

“He was immediately given first aid before being evacuated to a hospital in General Santos City," he added.

Balagtey said the military is coordinating with  police for legal proceedings and charges against Torno.

He said soldiers recovered three M16 rifles, one hand grenade, one rifle grenade, three handheld radios, eight jungle bag packs with personal belongings and subversive documents. Robina Asido/DMS