Alleged NPA member arrested in Negros Occidental

June 10, 2020

An alleged ranking New People's Army (NPA) member was apprehended by joint military and police in Negros Occidental on Tuesday night.

Maj. Franco Ver Lopez, civil military operation officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said arrested was Gaspar Davao alias Aldong, 55, from Sitio Biernesan, Brgy Pinapugasan, Escalante City.

Lopez said Davao is allegedly secretary of White Area Committee of North Negros Front and secretary of Section Committee.

"Gaspar is also the finance staff of North Negros Front," he said.

Lopez recalled that alias Andong is the subject of search warrant number No. 5951 for Violation of RA 10591, dated October 31, 2019 issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of RTC Branch 89 Quezon City, but he escaped during the implementation of the warrant.

Lopez said the troops from 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) and Cadiz City Police Station were conducting checkpoints when they noticed a suspicious individual inside a passenger van not wearing a face mask.

"While in the process of inspection, security were able to notice that the person tried to draw a hand grenade inside his bag, prompting the security personnel to accost him," he said.

Lopez said the suspect  later identified as Davao was brought to the Cadiz City Police Station for  investigation and filing of appropriate cases.

He said the government forces also confiscated eight cellular phones, one cellular phone charger, five pieces black ballpen, one flashlight, one sling bag, and other subversive documents from the rebel.

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander,  lauded the efforts of the troops 79IB and Cadiz police. Robina Asido/DMS