NDF consultant, 2 NPA leaders nabbed in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines — A consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF) and two New People’s Army (NPA) officials were arrested in Liliw, Laguna on Sunday.

NDF consultant Francisco Fernandez, 71; his partner Cleofe Lagtapon, 66, said to be the NPA’s regional deputy secretary for communications and education in Negros, and Geen-Ann Perez, 20, regional communications staff, were apprehended at their hideout in Barangay Calumpang at around 5:16 a.m., Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.

Albayalde said three .45-caliber pistols, three hand grenades, two sling bags, three cell phones and USB ports, which contained subversive materials, were recovered from the suspects.

He said the three face charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives and violation of the Omnibus Election Code.

“The operation that led to their arrest is part of our aggressive campaign against crime, terrorism and wanted persons,” Albayalde told a press briefing.

Maj. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, 2nd Infantry Division commander, said Fernandez is the sixth NDF consultant arrested since President Duterte terminated peace talks with communist rebels.

Parayno said 17 other NDF consultants who were given safe conduct passes remain at large.

“The government will be unrelenting in its pursuit for peace and prosperity, whoever, whatever and wherever the threat may be,” he said.

Chief Superintendent Edward Carranza, Calabarzon police director, said Fernandez is a former priest who has pending warrants of arrest for murder.

“There were a series of operations to get him but he would always evade arrest,” Carranza said.

Fernandez is tagged in the killing of the police chief of Guihulngan City in July 2017 and the ambush of soldiers earlier this year.

Rebels surrender

In Misamis Oriental, four NPA leaders surrendered to the 58th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental last week.

The surrenderees were identified as vice platoon leader Jan-Jan Senagonia, squad leader Robert Cayasan, team leader Rejie Cayasan and his wife Catherine, alias Em-Em, of  the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

“This shows that NPA rebels are tired and suffering in their organizations... communities are also reporting on their presence,” Lt. Col. Anthony Derilo of the 58th IB said.

Meanwhile, in Samar, the military blamed NPA guerrillas for “orchestrating” the evacuation of over 150 families in Barangay Hagbay and San Nicolas in San Jose de Buan also last week.

Maj. Gen. Raul Farnacio, 8th Infantry Division commander, said the evacuation occurred as the rebels harassed members of a community support program team. – Non Alquitran, Ed Amoroso, Michael Punongbayan, Miriam Desacada