Alleged NPA officials, four others arrested in Tacloban City

February 7, 2020

An alleged high-ranking officer of New People's Army (NPA) and four others were arrested in a joint military and police law enforcement operation in Tacloban City on Friday morning.

Capt. Reynaldo Aragones, spokesman of the 8th Infantry Division, said the reported  NPA official was Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio alias Pen, secretary of Regional White Area Committee - Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Aragones said the five  were arrested during a simultaneous implementation of search warrants by joint military and police teams  in two identified safe houses within Tacloban City around 2 am.

He said the warrants for violations of R.A. 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions” were issued by Executive Judge Eligio Petilla of RTC 44, Tacloban City on February 3, 2020.

Aragones said the searched houses were located in Gumamela St, Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy 77, Tacloban City and Calanipawan St, Brgy 96 (Calanipawan), Tacloban City.

He said based on reports the houses were being maintained by the NPA members of Eastern Visayas.

"Incidental to the lawful search, the government security forces arrested the communist terroist group personalities who were found to have an actual and/or constructive control and possession of illegal firearms, ammunitions and other contraband items inside the searched houses," Aragones said.

Aragones said the arrested persons and the seized illegal items are under the custody of PNP Regional Office, Tacloban City, Leyte for documentation and proper disposition. Robina Asido/DMS