NPA leader nabbed in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – An alleged ranking leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in Jaro, Iloilo City yesterday morning.

Eduardo Esteban, 60, was arrested by soldiers and the police at his house in Landheights Subdivision, Barangay Buntatala.

The arrest was based on a warrant issued by Judge Corpus Alzate of Bangued, Abra, for murder. Sources said Esteban has a P5.8-million bounty for his capture.

Authorities recovered from the suspect a clutch bag reportedly containing a loaded caliber .38 pistol, a PhilHealth identication card and a pocketbook.

Sources said Esteban is the financial director of the NPA in Cordillera, although some reports said he belongs to the central committee.

He reportedly holds the same rank as alleged NPA leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who were arrested in Cebu last March.