High-ranking NPA leader arrested in Surallah town

From the Manila Times (Sep 25): High-ranking NPA leader arrested in Surallah town

A front secretary of the New People’s Army (NPA) was apprehended by the joint elements of the 27th Infantry Battalion and Surallah, Sultan Kudarat PNP during a law enforcement operation on Monday evening.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, identified the suspect as Ofelia F. Buanhog alias Decay/Wada, the leader of Guerrilla Front (GF) 73 and a member of the Executive Committee of Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR).

He was collared in Barangay Centralla by virtue of the arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 26, with criminal case no. 6882-LS for rebellion and violation of Sec. 1 RA 9516 and frustrated murder.

 He said Buanhog has been instrumental in a series of violent atrocities and extortion activities.

 In a statement, Lt. Col. Jones Brisal Otida, commander of the 27th IB, credited the success of the operation on the coordination between the PNP, AFP and local government unit.

“It is through the enhanced interoperability of the law enforcers and strong support of the populace that these peace spoilers be brought to jail and justice for those they have violated be served,” Otida said.

 Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, 1002nd Brigade Commander, lauded the accomplishment of the troops as he called on the remaining rebels to surrender and get back to their normal lives.

“As soldiers of peace, our doors will continue to be open and willing to facilitate the surrender of those who want to return to the folds of the law,” Ancan said.

 Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commander of the 10th ID, said the arrest of the NPA leader is a manifestation of the commitment of the government to end the communist threat.

“We see the continuous downfall of the (NPA) with its leader being arrested,” he added.

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