Leftist rebel in possession of landmines arrested in Davao

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Authorities intercepted this afternoon six anti-tank improvised explosive devices (IED) from a suspected member of the leftist New People's Army (NPA) in Davao, the local military said.

The explosive devices or landmines were caught in the possession of Joey Atienza, 33, at Upper Mabuhay village in Paquibato District, said Lieutenant Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 69th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army.

According to the officer, the suspect, riding a motorcycle, was nabbed while personnel of the 69th IB were conducting a checkpoint at the said village at around 12:45 p.m. local time.

Pasaporte said that the arrest of the suspect was made possible because of the cooperation and support extended by the residents who revealed of the illegal and criminal activities of the leftist rebels in the area. The suspect had admitted to being a courier of the leftist group, he added.