Police, military foil NPA attempt to sneak explosives in Laguna

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines  – Police and military foiled an attempt by two suspected New People’s Army rebels to sneak highpowered explosives and ammunitions in Laguna after they were intercepted in a checkpoint in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, Laguna provincial director, identified the suspects as Mark Obmerga Papera, 26, and Lon Christian Umali, 22, both from Magdalena, Laguna.

Cruz said government troops confiscated from them various subversive documents, one grenade, two M16 magazines, 56 M14 ammunition, one piece AK 47 ammunition, one piece .45 caliber pistol, one handheld radio and assorted medicines.

He said the rebels on board a galvanized tricycle (WY-6524) and on their way toward Sta. Cruz highway were captured at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

Cruz said the rebels are currently in police custody for further investigation to establish their mission and to determine what group the rebels belong.

“It is early to speculate the exact mission of the two captured rebels, however, obviously, they are planning to attack any government establishments, or maybe they want to sneak the highpowered firearms from Laguna and bring them to Metro Manila because the troops recovered from them several ammunitions and explosives,” Cruz said in a phone interview.

Cruz said they are now monitoring movements of NPAs particularly in Laguna and Quezon province and conduct an intensified checkpoint across the Cala­barzon area.