NPA bomb-maker, accomplice nabbed in Batangas

From the Manila Times (Aug 29, 2023): NPA bomb-maker, accomplice nabbed in Batangas (By Francisco Tuyay)

AN alleged bomb-maker of the New People's Army (NPA) and a colleague were arrested in a joint police and military operation in San Juan, Batangas on Thursday, August 24.

A belated military report identified the suspects as Ernesto Baez Jr. and alias Asto, both members of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC).

Reports also said that Baez is the bomb maker while Asto is the supply officer of the Sangay sa Partido sa Platoon (SPP) Kawing and Sinag 1 of the STRPC.

The two were arrested in a law enforcement operation conducted by the Army's 59th Infantry Battalion of the 201st Infantry Brigade and the Batangas Police Provincial Office.

Before the issuing of the arrest warrants, the duo were identified during a checkpoint operation along the national highway in San Juan.

Among the items seized from the alleged rebels are two caliber.45 pistols, two hand grenades, an improvised grenade and one blasting cap.

In a statement, 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong said "this feat has prevented the communist terrorist groups from using these war materiel to sow terror in our communities."

He said the division will continue to work with its security sector partners to ensure our public safety, especially during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/29/regions/npa-bomb-maker-accomplice-nabbed-in-batangas/1907430