NPA leader wanted for IHL violation nabbed in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2021): NPA leader wanted for IHL violation nabbed in Masbate (By Connie Calipay)

File photo

Police arrested on Saturday a high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader operating in Masbate, who is also the No. 5 most wanted person in Pio V. Corpus town.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) spokesperson, on Sunday identified the suspect as Narciso Jao, 39, a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) driver and a resident of Barangay Alegria in Pio V. Corpus.

"Jao was arrested on Saturday morning, based on an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 49 in Cataingan, Masbate last July 16, 2020, for violation of Republic Act 9851 or Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity," the report said. “No bail was recommended.”

Jao, also known as Ka Manong, is a member of Militia ng Bayan under Rogelio Suson Command as the commanding officer of Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya in South Masbate, the report stated.

The suspect is under the custody of Pio V. Corpus Municipal Police Station.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, regional director said the success in capturing the NPA leader is proof of the police's determination to end the five-decade of harassment of insurgents.

"Hindi natin pahihintulutan ang mga ito na muli’t muling gawin biktima ang ating mga kababayan sa kanilang baluktot na ipinaglalaban (We will not allow them to use our fellow Bicolanos for their wrong ideology)," Estomo added.

He urged other members of the NPA to go down from the mountains, return to the fold of the law, and avail of government programs to rebuild their lives.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142756