NPA arsonists in Bukidnon captured, face multiple charges

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 25): NPA arsonists in Bukidnon captured, face multiple charges

Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who burned seven cargo trucks in a village in Bukidnon were captured and are now facing multiple charges, while their leader remains at large.

Major General Oscar T. Lactao, Commander of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said the three NPAs identified as Henry P. Omandam alias Empoy, 19 years old; Vergel Pitogo alias Marmar, 23 years old; and John Rey O. Flores, 16 years old, were captured March 15, 2015, around 8:00 a.m at Brgy Palacapao, Quezon, Bukidnon during the police-army joint operation.

Recovered from their possession were one landmine, ammunition of M203 and two (2) t-shirts with NPA logo.

Troops from the army's 4th Scout Ranger Battalion, under 403rd Infantry Brigade, arrested the NPA rebels following information received from concerned citizen on the presence of the three in their community.

“This is the consequence when you join the New People’s Army. There will be nobody, not even your leaders, will come to your aid when you are put in a situation that warrants you to justify your unlawful actions. You are on your own to tend the charges against you,” Maj. Gen. Lactao said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Quezon, Bukidnon filed charges against them in violation of R.A. 10591, which is "unlawful acquisition and possession of firearms and ammunitions" with penalty of Reclusion Temporal to Reclusion Perpetua and R.A. 8294, which is "Illegal Possession of High Explosives and Ammunitions". They are also filing Frustrated Murder case after these NPAs ambushed the responding PNP personnel during the burning incident and Arson case when they burned the seven heavy trucks.

The apprehended bandits are part of the group responsible in the burning of seven trucks on March 8, 2015 at the same place.

“Let this serve as a lesson to all members of NPAs and to those who are planning to join the armed struggle. NPA leaders are not concerned about your welfare, they are only using you to pursue their vested interest and in destroying the hopes and dreams of Filipinos in achieving peace and development. I urge you to contemplate and come to a decision of leaving the armed struggle and return to mainstream society to experience living peaceful life with your families,” Maj. Gen. Lactao said, addressing the rebels.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501427251894/npa-arsonists-in-bukidnon-captured-face-multiple-charges