Alleged NPA arrested in Butuan City

February 14, 2019

Government forces arrested an alleged member of New People’s Army (NPA) in Butuan City on Wednesday, a military spokesman said.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey,  spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said Thursday arrested was Emeliano Bustillo Legayna.

Balagtey said Legayna is said responsible for conducting extortion activities in north-central Mindanao. He is also known as the leader of  Militiang Bayan in  West Butuan.

He said the rebel was apprehended with the cooperation of the people in Barangay Nongnong, Butuan City.

Balagtey said the arrest was made during the implementation of search warrant for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by the combined elements of 23rd Infantry Battalion, 402nd Brigade and members of the Butuan City Police Office.

Seized from Legayna were a cal. 45 pistol and a hand grenade, said Balagtey. Robina Asido/DMS