NPA rebel nabbed for murder

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel wanted for multiple frustrated murder and two counts of murder was arrested in Sitio Ubel, Barangay Gawaan in Balbalan town in Kalinga on Monday night.

Pancho Lunes of the NPA’s Lejo Cawilan Command was tagged in an ambush in 2002 that left two soldiers dead, Kalinga police director Col. Davy Limmong said.

Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Rwin Pagkalinawan said the arrest was based on a warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 35 Judge Marcelino Wakas in Tabuk.

No bail was recommended.

Pagkalinawan said a reward of P700,000 was offered for information leading to the arrest of Lunes.