2 linked to Toboso ambush arrested

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The Philippine Army reported the arrest of two suspected members of the New People’s Army in separate operations in Negros Occidental on Jan. 14

Roberto Pandacan, 70, alias Berting, was apprehended in Barangay San Isidro, Toboso by the police and 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers.

He has pending arrest warrants for murder and frustrated murder, in connection with the ambush of civilians in 2009, in the town.

Suspected rebel Ruffa Baynosa was arrested Jan. 14 when she returned to a residence in Barangay San Fernando, Talisay City, where a baby was left behind by alleged rebels a day earlier. She is facing raps linked to 2009 ambush in Toboso.  |  79IB Photo

Pandacan was denied bail by San Carlos City Regional Trial Court Judge Danilo Amisola for murder charges.

Col. Michael Samson, 303rd Infantry Brigade acting commander, said that Pandacan and the other suspect Ruffa Baynosa were linked to the ambush of civilians in Sitio Toril, Barangay Salamanca, Toboso on July 13, 2009.

The incident left three civilians dead, including a 13-year-old, and causing injuries to three others.

On the same day, policemen also arrested Baynosa, 44, alias Ka Nexie, in Barangay San Fernando, Talisay City.

Samson said that Baynosa returned to the residence of Marilyn Dianton on Jan. 14, a day after a two-month-old infant was left behind by a group of NPA rebels, who scampered in different directions, after noticing soldiers approaching the house.

“May justice be served to the victims and their families of the unfortunate incident in 2009”, Samson said.

He urged the NPA remnants to stop running and tiring themselves, by surrendering peacefully and avail of government programs for them, to start a new life. – GB