OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a ranking leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao wanted for a string of charges, including violation of the anti-terrorism law.
In a statement yesterday, the CIDG identified the suspect by his alias “Kumander,” the secretary of the Far South Mindanao Region, who is the fifth most wanted person in the Soccsksargen and Davao regions.
The CIDG said Kumander is also included in the AFP’s Periodic Status Report, a list of personalities belonging to threat groups.
Kumander was arrested last Thursday in Barnagay Indahag in Cagayan de Oro City by virtue of arrest warrants for violation of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act, child abuse, murder, and attempted murder.
The operation was conducted by the CIDG in collaboration with other police units and the Armed Forces.
Seized from the suspect were a fragmentation grenade, a Colt cal. 45 pistol, a magazine, rounds of ammunition, two blasting caps, a detonating cord, and three identification cards.
CIDG officer-in-charge Col. Ranie Hachuela commended the police and military personnel for the arrest of Kumander.
“With the capture of this fugitive, we significantly won over terrorism and helped the victims and their families attain the justice they deserved,” said Hachuela.
“Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in its fight against all forms of criminality, especially terrorism, and is unrelenting in its manhunt operations and arrest of all wanted persons and fugitives across the country,” said Hachuela. “The CIDG is dauntless, the CIDG means business,” he added.
