Jovito Palparan arrested in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - One of Philippines' high-profile most wanted person, retired military official and former congressman Jovito Palparan, was arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila, before dawn Tuesday.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima announced in an interview with GMA News that Palparan was arrested around 3 a.m. in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

De Lima said the NBI agents were accompanied by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Naval Intelligence Group during the operation.

She said the authorities started scouting the area on Monday based on an intelligence information.

Palparan, who has a P2-million bounty on his head, was brought to the NBI headquarters in Manila at around 4 a.m.

The former general and congressman is being accused of executing suspected members of the New People's Army. He is also being accused of having involvement in the disappearances of activist Jonas Burgos and University of the Philippines' students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño.

He is called "Berdugo" by activist groups.