A ranking leader of the New People’s Army and three of his companions were arrested during joint operations of the 11th Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police in Sitio Tamlang, Barangay Talalak, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.
Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11B commander, said that the arrest of the four rebels he identified as Roel Casilao, Allan Ybanez, and Joselie and Jestoni Lasas, was made after residents in the area reported their presence to the army.
Salayo said that Casilao, alias Gary, is the commanding officer of the Local Guerilla Unit of South East Front.
Their arrest yielded two M14 assault rifles with three magazines containing ammunition, one M16 assault rifle, a 12 gauge shotgun, ammunition for M16 and shotgun, two handcuffs, assorted medicines and six disposable syringes, and subversive documents.
Salayo also said that Jestoni and Joselie Lasas have pending arrest warrants for murder.
The four arrested rebels are believed to be remnants of the NPA South East Front dismantled last year by the 11th IB.
Salayo anticipates more apprehensions and surrenders by the rebels in the next few days as government forces intensify their combat operations against them.
Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the 11IB for latest apprehension.
He attributed the successful operation to the vigilance and cooperation of the civilian populace by giving accurate information to the troops. – GB
