Manhunt on vs. NPA ‘political guide’ in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 26, 2021): Manhunt on vs. NPA ‘political guide’ in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga region) on Friday ordered a manhunt for an alleged political guide of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Norte who has evaded arrest for illegal possession of firearms.

Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, issued the order hours after Menhart Pagaran, a resident of Santiago town, managed to elude local police personnel who were implementing a search warrant on Friday morning

Pagaran is allegedly the political guide of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda of Guerrilla Front 16A, of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“Personnel from SMPS (Santiago Municipal Police Station), with the support of the 2nd Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company and the 15th Special Action Force, implemented Search Warrant No. 2021-118-02 against Pagaran on Friday for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act,” Caramat said.

Pagaran, he said, was no longer in the area when the operating troops arrived.

Police recovered from the suspect’s residence a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .38 pistol, various types of ammunition, and other pieces of evidence.

Police also seized a booklet containing subversive information and military and police uniforms.

Caramat ordered Santiago's neighboring police stations to provide support in the operation.

"We are calling for the support of the public in the PNP's (Philippine National Police’s) more serious and aggressive efforts against criminality and terrorism in the region. It is through our partnership that we will truly put an end to local communist armed conflict," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131939