Jailed "rebel leader" to be transferred to CentCom

CEBU, Philippines -Owing to persistent reports that political detainee Ramon Patriarca would be rescued from his detention cell in Danao City, the provincial police will be transferring him to the facility at the military’s Central Command. 

Cebu Provincial Police director Carmelo Valmoria said the court has already granted the request to transfer Patriarca but the date of transfer would be confidential.

Aside from the reports of rescue, Valmoria said the facility in Danao City is reportedly not fit for a high-risk detainee like Patriarca, as additional police personnel had to be detailed there to augment security.

But Valmoria said Patriarca’s cell at CentCom would have to be prepared, considering that the facility also holds political detainee Jigger Geverola.

Incidentally, Patriarca celebrated his birthday yesterday at his detention cell in Danao City with his family and close friends.

Patriarca, believed to be a top leader of the New People’s Army, was arrested last February 5 in barangay Casili, Consolacion in a joint operation by the Armed Forces Central Command and the PNP.

He reportedly operated with four nicknames- Willy, Aking, Duro and Robert, and held five positions as deputy secretary of the armed group Komiteng Rehiyonal- Sentral Bisayas, finance officer, head of the taxation bureau, and secretary while at Negros island.

 Patriarca’s arrest was by virtue of a standing warrant issued by Danao City Regional Trial Court Judge Edito Enemecio for rebellion. — Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)