NPA rebel linked to fatal ambush on soldier nabbed in Surigao town

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested an alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) wanted for a 2016 ambush that killed an Army soldier in Agusan del Norte, police announced on Sunday.

The 25-year-old suspect, a resident of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, was captured around 5:35 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, in Barangay Siana, Mainit town, Surigao del Norte.

The manhunt was conducted by the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, led by Lt. Col. Darwin Dura, in coordination with the Mainit Municipal Police Station, according to a report submitted to CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II.

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The suspect was arrested by virtue of warrants for murder and multiple attempted murder issued on Nov. 27, 2020 by a Regional Trial Court branch in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

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Authorities identified the suspect as a member of NPA Samahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16A, Guerilla Front Committee 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. He was listed in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report in 2017.

Police records show that on the morning of April 3, 2016, the suspect and eight other heavily armed rebels allegedly ambushed a Philippine Army foot patrol in Barangay Doña Telesfora, Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

Armed with AK-47 assault rifles, the insurgents opened fire on the troops, killing one soldier on the spot.

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Lt. Col. Butch Ian Miñoza, CIDG Regional Field Unit 13 acting chief, commended the operating teams, saying the arrest brings long-delayed justice to the slain soldier and his family.

“The attack against our government troops was not only an assault on our military, but also on the peace and security of the community,” the CIDG said in a statement. /das