Two alleged NPAs arrested in Zamboanga del Sur checkpoint

September 22, 2020

Two alleged members of New People's Army (NPA) were apprehended in a checkpoint in Zamboanga del Sur on Monday afternoon

The  Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion and Midsalip Municipal Police Station established a checkpoint  following an encounter in Barangay Marangan, Dumingag municipality  in the morning of Monday.

The alleged NPA members were apprehended at a checkpoint in Midsalip municipality around 4:30 pm.

The apprehended persons were "believed to be members or supporters of the communist terrorist group who allegedly escaped from the encounter site bringing with them assorted war materials, supplies, and garments."

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade,  identified the apprehended personalities as Jaymar Balaas Bellano and Gemma Donsalo Ayas, residents of Purok 2, Barangay Saad, Dumingag.

"Seized from the duo’s possession were: cash worth P 6,400 , 16 cigarette lighters, eight black jogging pants, five green sweatshirts with BHB logo, one rubber boot, one power bank, six cellular phones, four underwear, five t-shirts, assorted foodstuffs, and personal belongings," he said.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, JTF ZamPeLan commander, said the military are conducting focused and civil-military operations to remove threats in the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Lanao provinces.

"Bellano and Ayas were brought to Midsalip MPS for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges," he said. Robina Asido/DMS