Three alleged NPAs arrested in North Cotabato

May 27, 2020

An alleged New People's Army (NPA) officer and two other members were arrested in a joint military and police operation in North Cotabato on Tuesday.

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Wescom) spokesman, said the  operation by the 90th Infantry Battalion and PNP Matalam yielded in the arrest of Cirilo Amit, alias Allen or Wilson, the reported finance officer of the communist terrorist operating in North Cotabato.

Other alleged NPA members apprehended were Alex Zurita Sr., alias Dodo; and Roberto Limbaga Aspura.

The rebels were arrested in Purok Kamon, Barangay New Alemodian, Matalam, North Cotabato.

Encinas said the rebels were brought to 90th IB headquarters for custodial debriefing.

 Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of 602nd Infantry Brigade. said the operation was made due to reported presence of the rebels in the area.

During the operation, the troops seized one Norinco MP27 caliber 45 pistol with two magazines and 17 rounds of ammunition; one homemade revolver with 24 rounds 5.56mm ammunition; two anti-personnel improvised explosive devices; six cellular phones; one media pad; one hard drive; one powerbank; one USB; one card reader; twelve Sim cards; two cellphone chargers; one AM/FM radio; cash amounting to P10, 435.00; assorted documents; assorted IDs; assorted medicines; and personal belongings of the rebels.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Joint Task Force Central Commander, said the troops, are in close collaboration with the PNP to intensify security campaigns to neutralize terrorists and other lawless elements in Central Mindanao. Robina Asido/ DMS