OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested a New People’s Army leader in Diffun, Quirino province.
The suspect, Romeo Cudal, is one of the country’s most wanted persons, with a P750,000 bounty on his head.
Cudal, 66, who carries the aliases Ramon Daniel Luis, Ka Mon, Ka Paoy, Ka Nick, Ka Rito, and Ka Noni, was arrested in Barangay Andres Bonifacio in Diffun last Sunday.
He was arrested on the strength of a warrant issued by an Isabela court for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, the CIDG said.
He is reportedly the finance and economic officer of the NPA’s Central Front and secretary of the Sangay sa Partido sa Platoon-Gani, Southern Front.
The CIDG said the operation against Cudal was in compliance with the directive of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. to go after all wanted persons.
“The CIDG will be persistent and zealous in enforcing its mandates and none of these defiant elements shall escape the long arm of the law to further sow chaos and terror in the country,” the CIDG said in a statement.
Meanwhile, 55 supporters of the NPA withdrew support from the rebel group last Friday in Nueva Ecija, the AFP Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) reported.
Nolcom deputy commander Commodore Karl Decapia welcomed the decision of the 55, who are members of a farmers’ group and a peasant organization in Nueva Ecija.
Decapia said he admires the courage of the 55 for severing ties with the communist movement, adding “this is the right thing to do.”
Decapia also noted that working with the communists “will benefit no one.”
