Military ready for NPA's retaliatory attacks in wake of Tiamzon couples' arrest

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24): Military ready for NPA's retaliatory attacks in wake of Tiamzon couples' arrest

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said on Monday the military is prepared for increase in attacks that may be conducted by the New People's Army (NPA) following the arrest of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon last Saturday in Cebu.

He made this statement in the wake of the rebels' claims that they would conduct massive retaliatory attacks against the military and the government.

"We will be prepared for any eventuality," Tutaan said,adding that attack threats are nothing new as the NPA rebels always have a strong desire to perpetuate violent incidents.

Benito Tiamzon is the chairman of the CPP-NPA while Wilma is the secretary general.

They were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for crimes against humanity that include murder, multiple murders, and frustrated murder.

The cases against them were originally filed before the Regional Trial Court Branch 18 in Hilongos, Leyte but were transferred to Manila RTC Branch 32 under Judge Mario Dela Cruz.

The charges arose from their involvement in the brutal killings of 15 civilians in Inopacan, Leyte who were later buried in a mass grave that was discovered in 2006.

Benito Tiamzon was the secretary of the Eastern Visayas Regional Committee of the CPP-NPA when the mass killing took place.

Arrested with the Tiamzons were Rex G. Villaflor, of Makati City; Nona C. Castillo, Consolacion, Cebu; Joel E. Enano, Buhatan, Sorsogon; Jeosi M. Nepa, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; and Arlene J. Panea, Mactan, Cebu.

Seized from them were a Colt .45 caliber pistol, a Norinco 9mm pistol, one Kimber 9mm pistol, a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver, three magazines and 17 rounds of ammunition for .45 caliber pistol, one magazine and 19 rounds of 9mm pistol, six bullets for .357 revolver, four laptops, 16 cellular phones and 20 flash drives.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=628634