Security tightened after authorities nab NPA leader

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 29): Security tightened after authorities nab NPA leader

T’boli, South Cotabato- Authorities have tightened security measures here following the arrest of a high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) who is facing criminal charges for the abduction a soldier and burning of heavy equipment owned by a private construction firm here.

Chief Insp, Ramil Villagracia, T’boli police chief, identified the suspect as Rey Blase,44, a leader of the NPA-Front 73 operating in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani, who was nabbed by police operatives in his house in Barangay Dumangas here last Thursday.

He said Blase had been charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention for the abduction of Private Khen Subere, a member of the 27th Infantry Battalion who was seized by suspected NPA rebels while driving his motorcycle in Barangas Dumangas here last April 2015.

Subere was later released in Kiamba, Sarangani by the NPA rebels after a month-long captivity following the intervention of then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Police said Blasé is also facing arson charges for the burning of heavy equipment owned by a private construction firm in Barangay Edwards, Tboli in April 2015.

Villagracia said additional policemen and Army soldiers have been deployed to secure the police station where the captured NPA leader is presently detained following intelligence information that the NPA rebels were out to rescue their detained comrade.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/12/29/security-tightened-after-authorities-nab-npa-leader/