Alleged NPA leader, companion killed in Surigao del Sur law enforcement operation

December 10, 2020

Two men, including an alleged high-ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader. were killed in a law enforcement operation in Surigao del Sur on Thursday.

Maj. Radulfo Cordero Jr., public affairs chief of the 4th Infantry Division,  said  joint elements of the AFP’s 401st Brigade and Philippine National Police-Caraga served arrest warrants against Alvin Loque alias Joaquin Jacinto at Hermenias Resort, Purok Milion, Brgy San Agustin Sur, Tandag City at around 1am.

Major General Andres Centino, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said "Alvin Loque was charged with criminal cases that include CC Nr 4611 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention by Judge Hector B Salise of Bayugan City RTC Branch 7; CC Nr 10677 for attempted murder issued by Judge Kimal Salacop of RTC Br 6, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; CC Nrs 161 to 163 for violation of RA 10364 issued by Judge Tangonan of RTC Br 34, Cabadbaran City; CC Nr 6527; and CC Nr 6525 both for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Judge Fudalan of RTC Br 7, Bayugan City."

Cordero said the firefight resulted in the death of Loque, alleged member of the Executive Committee and spokesperson of Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID), and his companion who is still unidentified.

"As the law enforcers served the warrants, the subject together with his companion opened fire towards the arresting forces, which prompted the arresting officers to take cover and return fire leading to a gunfight and resulting in the death of the suspect and his male companion," he said.

Recovered during the operation were a cal .45 Remington 1911 pistol chamber loaded with a magazine and live cal .45 ammunition; one fragmentation hand grenade; 500 rounds of cal 7.62 mm ammunition for AK47; one blasting cap; one battery; improvised explosive device firing mechanism and around 15 meters of electric wire; NPA flags; and subversive documents.  Robina Asido/DMS