Top NPA leader in Quezon meted life term

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15): Top NPA leader in Quezon meted life term

A high-ranking female leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist group operating in Quezon was sentenced to reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment after the court found her guilty for violation of illegal possession of explosives and illegal firearms.

Captain Patrick Jay M. Retumban, public affairs chief of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID), Philippine Army in this camp here told Philippine News Agency on Wednesday that Miguela Ocampo Piñero, alias “Ka Migs,” was sentenced to jail by virtue of the order signed by Judge Mariam G. Biem of the Quezon Regional Trial Court Branch l53.

Piñero was found guilty for violation of Republic Act 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosives and sentenced for reclusion perpetua or 20 years and one day to 30 years imprisonment.

Further, she was also found guilty for violation of Republic Act 8294 or Illegal Possession of Firearms and meted the imprisonment for six years and one day to 12 years prison mayor.

Meanwhile, Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, 2ID Commander said the decision of the court gave justice to the victims of CPP-NPA-terrorist atrocities, particularly the indigenous people who were brutally killed, the common people who have been victimized by their continuous extortion and terroristic activities and those who have lost their livelihood brought about by their atrocious underground activities.

“It also proves that the terrorists cannot run away from the long arm of the law,” he added.

Piñero is the top leader of the NPA terrorist group operating in Southern Quezon and in Bondoc Peninsula who were responsible for the extortions, ambuscades of government troops and disrupting the government implemented projects in the area.

According to Lt. Col. Ely Tono, Commanding Officer of the 85th IB, “Ka Migs” was arrested by the joint elements of the 85th Infantry Battalion, 2ID and the Quezon Provincial Police on Feb. 5, 2012 in Barangay Calantipayan, Lopez, Quezon by virtue of the Warrant of Arrest.

The arrest order was served to Piñero for two counts of murder, rebellion, multiple frustrated murder and robbery in band.

The arresting authorities also recovered from her possession one calibre .45 pistol, one hand grenade and assorted explosive materials as components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Piñero is now detained at the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025303