NPA rebel in Agusan Norte guv ambush nabbed in Makati

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 29, 2021): NPA rebel in Agusan Norte guv ambush nabbed in Makati (By Alexander Lopez)

NABBED. Photo shows Jefred L. Flores, alias Cardo, 26, a New People’s Army member who was arrested by Police Regional Office 13 operatives on 1842 Escuela St., Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City on Thursday (Oct. 28). He was involved in the ambush of the convoy of then Agusan del Norte Gov. Maria Angelica Amante-Matba in Nasipit town on March 27, 2015. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, who has been in hiding for nearly six years for his crimes in Caraga Region, including the ambush of a former governor, has been arrested in Makati City on Oct. 28.

In a statement on Friday, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. identified the suspect as Jefred L. Flores, alias Cardo, 26, team leader of Squad Uno, Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Kingdom of Guerrilla Front 4-A, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.

“Flores was arrested by the personnel of the intelligence unit of PRO-13 and Police Sub-Station 6, Makati Police Station on Thursday at 1842 Escuela St., Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City,” Caramat said.

The suspect was arrested by virtue of arrest warrants for attempted murder and multiple attempted murder issued on August 11, 2020, by the Regional Trial Court Branch 33 in Butuan City.

Caramat said Flores was involved in the ambush of the convoy of then Agusan del Norte Gov. Maria Angelica Amante-Matba in Nasipit town on March 27, 2015.

Amante-Matba survived the ambush. She is serving as Agusan del Norte Second District Rep. in the House of Representatives.

A police officer who was part of Amante-Matba’s convoy was hurt during the ambush.

“The suspect was also involved in the burning of vital equipment inside the compound of Agusan Milling Philippines in Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte last July 28, 2018,” Caramat said.

Flores is detained at Police Sub-Station 6 in Makati City while arrangements are being facilitated for his transfer to PRO-13.

“Justice will always be served and distance and time are not a hindrance in attaining it. This accomplishment will serve as another major setback to the Communist Terrorist Group as this added to the increasing list of neutralized members,” Caramat said.

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

The National Democratic Front, meanwhile, has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1158170