Rebels insist arrested rape suspect not a comrade

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 4, 2023): Rebels insist arrested rape suspect not a comrade (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Mt. Cansermon Command New People’s Army South Central Negros Guerilla Front has issued a statement strongly denying military and police claims that an arrested rape suspect, who is a senior citizen, is not a commander of a rebel Yunit Militia Unit.

In a statement, rebel spokesperson Ka Dionesio Magbuelas claimed that Lodorico But-ay, 68, is a just an ordinary farmer, contrary to claims of the Philippine Army and PNP.

But-ay, alias Jude, who was tagged by the police and military as the commanding officer of the NPA Yunit Militia, was apprehended on July 28 during a during a Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operation (JEMPO) of the police and military, in Sitio Cunalom, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Walter Zorilla.

According to the 94th Infantry Battalion, But-ay was denied bail by Judge Zorilla, the presiding judge of Himamaylan Regional Trial Curt Branch 55, due to being charged with rape.

Magbuelas claimed that But-ay, an Indigenous People (IP) is a member of the Farmers Association of Brgy. Carabalan (FABCA), and has no connection with the NPA.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebels-insist-arrested-rape-suspect-not-a-comrade/