Suspected NPA leader arrested

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – An alleged ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) was arrested yesterday by members of the government security forces in Leganes town, Iloilo.

Norberto Castor, alias Marlon, 55, was nabbed in Barangay Calaboa based on a warrant for multiple murder and frustrated murder.

As a senior leader of the NPA in Panay, Castor had been in the order of battle of the Department of National Defense for eight years, with a P2.3-million bounty for his capture.

Maj. Ray Tiongson, spokesperson for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said Castor is reportedly a deputy secretary of the NPA Central Front Committee operating in the towns of Tapaz and Jamindan in Capiz and Calinog in Iloilo.

The suspect was with his daughter when members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Leganes police and Army soldiers arrested him at around 4:30 a.m.

Tiongson said Castor’s arrest was a big blow to the communist movement.

Rebel granted bail

Meanwhile in Bohol, an alleged NPA leader was released from detention after posting bail over the weekend.

Roy Erecre, alias Ka Pasyong, allegedly the secretary of CPP-NPA Central Visayas regional committee, was granted bail by Judge Fernando Fuentes III.

Fuentes set the preliminary hearing for Erecre’s rebellion  case on Oct. 7.

Erecre, who had a P5.4-million bounty for his capture, was arrested in Davao City last May by the Army and agents of CIDG.