• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A P550,000 reward is being offered by the government for the arrest of New People’s Army (NPA) squad leader Reginaldo “Apin” Lanutan, who is facing charges for murder, attempted murder, and direct assaults with multiple attempted murder.
In a social media post, the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion said that Lanutan, of Barangay Planas, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, belongs to the Sentro De Grabidad under the Central Negros (CN) 1 of Komiteng Rehiyonal (KR)-Negros.
It added that Medardo “Budot” Sayosa is the now the KRN secretary.
Sayosa, of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, is also facing charges for crimes against International Humanitarian Law (IHL), genocide, multiple murder, three counts of murder, homicide, attempted and frustrated murder, robbery, theft, among others.
His designation as KR-Negros secretary came after the death of Reynaldo “Amik” Erecre during a gunbattle with 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Barangay Biao, Binalbagan last Jan. 30.
Other rebel leaders with numerous arrest warrants include Cristito “Dagohoy” Nilles Sr., squad leader of CN1 Section Guerilla Unit, for two counts of murder, crimes against IHL and genocide as well as violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Lea Nilles, a member of CN1 Squad 1, has pending arrest warrants for murder, attempted murder, grave coercion, violation of RA 10591, RA 7610 and RA 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. | GPB
