Troops nab 4 NPA rebels bound for Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): Troops nab 4 NPA rebels bound for Davao

The 28th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division arrested four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) claiming to be joining a rally in Davao City.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson for the 10th ID, reported that the arrest of the NPA members under Section Committee 18 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command was a result of the collaboration of the Army and community in Mati.

He said the concerned residents have alerted the 28th IB travel of armed men. Batchar said the information prompted the 28th IB to deploy troops to intercept the armed men, who turned out to be members of the NPA.

The four armed men arrested were identified as Jerome Jaquin Apyag alias Santilmong Bakang, 25, single and resident of Masar Panurava, Maco, Compostela Valley Province; Jerman Andress alias Has, 22, single and resident of Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur; Reymark Cabilan alias Bolantoy, 16, single and resident of So Licop, Barangay Sainz, Mati City; and, Eking Artchie alias Bunso, 18, single and resident of Barangay Langka, Lupon, Davao Oriental.

They were reportedly transporting weapons and explosives from Mati to Lupon on board a Red Kia Bongo, when members of the scout platoon chance upon their vehicle.

Batchar said there was a chase after the armed men tried to elude the military until they were cornered along the Highway in San Isidro Town at around 11:45 p.m on Tuesday. The 10th ID reported their arrest on Thursday, August 10.

Batchar said the arrested persons claimed they were going to attend a rally in Davao City at the time of the apprehension.

The troops also recovered from the arrested persons four M16; one grenade launcher; one improvised explosive device; eighty nine M16 ammunition; one M203 Ammo; three long magazine for M16 (steel); two short magazine for M16 (steel); one long magazine for M16 (plastic); two short magazine for M16 (plastic); 11 Motorola radio (handheld); one digital camera; three cellular phones; three hammocks; four backpacks; two bandoleers; two combat boots; medical paraphernalia; assorted medicines; subversive documents with high intelligence value and cash amounting to P1926.

Batchar said the arrest of the four NPA members was made without a single fire shot. They were already in the custody of the San Isidro PNP for the inquest for a case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

He said this is a manifestation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commitment to enforce our laws.

According to Batchar, the people joining anti-government rallies are clearly infiltrated by regular NPA members. Batchar said the rallyists should be wary of joining rallies because the NPA espouses violence and armed struggle.

Batchar also pointed out that the arrest of a 16-year-old rebel shows the communist movement to use minors that is a violation of the international humanitarian law.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1005675