Rebel leader faces charges for war crimes

MANILA, Philippines — The suspected New People's Army (NPA) leader responsible for the attack on a police station in Mati, Davao Oriental and the killing of a soldier on February 15 will face charges for war crimes, the military said Wednesday.

Olofernes was still wearing a military uniform when he was captured.

"We will file appropriate charges against Olofernes but while doing so, we will ensure that his right will not be violated and due process will be accorded to him. A joint legal action group is now in the process of conducting legal procedures for the filing of a case in relation to Republic Act 9851 or the International Humanitarian Law," Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

During the pursuit operation, joint forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police apprehended  Prince Wendel Olofernes, alias Edoy or Doy, a commander of the Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) of Guerrila Front 18.

RELATED: NPA leader behind Mati attack captured

Olofernes was captured around 6:30 p.m. Barangay Taguibo, Mati City by elements of the 104th Division Reconnaissance Company and police,  according to the AFP's Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom).

"The NPAs violated the human rights of Sgt. [Adel] Licunan when he was killed despite being unarmed and in civilian clothes when, on his motorcycle, he passed by a check point set up by the NPA in Mati," Baladad explained.

"The NPA bandits violated the International Humanitarian Law for the use of land mines, blatantly disregarding the safety of the community," he added.

The military also identified the slain NPA rebel during the attack on the Mati police station as Brian Alfonso, alias Sim, a vice commander of SDG of Front 18.