Four alleged NPAs arrested in Sarangani

October 11, 2019

Four alleged members of New People's Army (NPA), including its spokesman and a leader, were captured in a law enforcement operation in Sarangani Province on Thursday morning.

Lt Col. Jones Otida, commanding officer of 27th Infantry Battalion, said arrested were Nicanor Pason or also known as Kumander Costan, leader of CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist group  monitored in the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat; Bernard Prespetero, spokesperson of the Far South Mindanao Regional Committee; and a certain Josephine Carvajal Sumagaysay and Reynaldo Beringel Loyola, both couriers and contacts.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman, said the rebels were arrested by an Inter-Agency Group composed of the elements of 1002nd Infantry Brigade under BGen. Adonis Bajao and Police Region Office 12 during a law enforcement operation at Barangay Kalaong, Maitum, Sarangani Province in Thursday early morning. 

Balagtey said "during the apprehension, Costan attempted to diffuse a fragmentation grenade to negate arrest which prompted the arresting troops to execute a calibrated action to immobilize the subject."

'Alias Costan, who is the lone wounded was brought by the apprehending soldiers to Maitum Hospital for immediate treatment and further medical attention, while the three others were brought the PNP station for necessary legal proceedings", he said.

"Alias Costan has a standing warrant of arrest for murder issued by Regional Trial Court 11, Branch 38 Alabel, Sarangani Province," he added.

Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., head of the Eastern Mindanao Command, assures government forces will continue to run after communist group "leaders who continuously embrace the violent armed struggle".

"While doing so, we will continue to work for the resolution of issues that are being exploited by the Communist Terrorist Groups , so that, once and for all, we will achieve peace under the President's timeline," he added. Robina Asido/DMS