MANILA, Philippines — Nineteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were charged on Thursday in connection with the killing of two soldiers in Aurora province two years ago.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed complaints for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act and Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity before the Aurora provincial prosecutor’s office.
Harold Sarenas, Andy Vigega, Lee Sudario, Jennifer David, Marlene Espiritu, Rommel Tuccay, Mar Juan, Bobby Riosa, Bing Dandan, Pepito Bautista, Susan Ritual, Ernesto Prinsipe, Nelson Geronimo, Agaton Topacio and Neptali Santos were included in the charge sheets.
The four other respondents were known only by their aliases of Bituin, Lay, Lee and Andy.
CIDG director Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said the rebels are officials and members of the NPA’s Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre.
The soldiers were securing the distribution of social amelioration program cash assistance in Barangay Punglo in Maria Aurora when they were attacked.