Ranking NPA member in Camarines arrested

MANILA, Philippines - The military on Tuesday announced the arrest of a ranking communist rebel based in Camarines Norte during an operation on Monday night.

Col. Richard Lagrana, Commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade stationed in Labo, Camarines Norte, identified the New People's Army commander as Nancy Ortega, who is known in the communist hierarchy as Nads and Sads.

Initial reports said joint elements of the military and the police apprehended Ortega in Barangay San Roque, Iriga City around 8:30 p.m. Monday. The suspect is facing multiple frustrated murder charges.

"She led various attacks on military/PNP posts in Cam Norte as well as directed the killings of many innocent civilians," Lagrana said.

Ortega was visiting her relatives in Iriga when she was arrested. She did not resist arrest, the military said. - Dennis Carcamo