40 NPA rebels nabbed in Negros raids — AFP

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — At least 40 of the 57 people arrested in simultaneous raids on the offices of militant groups here and in Escalante City on Thursday and Friday have been identified as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, according to the military.

They are members of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros-Cebu-Bohol-Siqujior, Army spokesman Capt. Cenon Pancito III said yesterday.

Pancito said nine of those apprehended – John Milton Lozande, Noli Rosales, Proceso Quiatchon, Albert dela Serna, Mary Anne Krueger, Romulo Bito-on, Amaylin Chin-chin Bito-on, Danilo Tabura and Roberto Lachica – are considered “high-value” targets. 

He said the nine are also officials of militant organizations, such as the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers, Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (KMP), human rights group Karapatan and Kilusang Mayo Uno.

Pancito assured the public that the military is not targeting progressive organizations.

He said the arrests were based on warrants for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The military said 37 assorted firearms, three fragmentation grenades, seven rifle grenades, two Claymore mines, two M203 grenade launchers, assorted ammunition and military uniforms were among those recovered from the suspects.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the arrests prove that militant organizations are fronts for the communist movement.

KMP chairman Danilo Ramos said the arrests are indicative of “de facto martial law creeping in Negros and the rest of the country.”

Karapatan maintained that the seized guns and explosives were planted.