NPA wanted for Army slay falls in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): NPA wanted for Army slay falls in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) in Caraga (Region 13) on Monday said a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel involved in the killing of an Army trooper in 2017 has been arrested.

PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., in a statement, identified the suspect as Benjon Acero, alias Benjoy Asero/Yowin, 31, of Sitio Libon, Barangay Lydia in La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

He added that Acero is the former leader of Squad 1, Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon of NPA Guerrilla Front 88, Sub-Regional Command 3, North Center Mindanao Regional Committee.

“Acero was arrested by the personnel of Agusan del Sur police provincial office in a manhunt operation conducted in Purok 4, Barangay Poblacion, La Paz on Sunday afternoon,” Caramat said.

He said the suspect was among the NPA insurgents who killed Army Private Junry Cablay in Barangay Comota, La Paz on June 9, 2017.

On Nov. 24, 2020, an arrest warrant for murder was issued against the suspect by the Regional Trial Court Branch 6 in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Norte.

“I commend the troops for this another accomplishment in our anti-terrorism campaign. This success was made possible through the joint efforts of our police and the support and cooperation of the public who reported the whereabouts of the wanted communist terrorist group member,” Caramat said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157708