PNP taps INTERPOL for arrest of Joma Sison

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already coordinated with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) regarding the arrest of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison, its spokesman said on Monday.

"Yes, ito naman ay standard procedure natin, ang maimpormahan ang ating mga counterparts abroad patungkol sa mga tao o Pilipinong may standing warrant of arrest," Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said during a press briefing.

"Kinakailangan ding maimpormahan sila dahil concern din sila sa kani-kanilang mga security," Banac added.

Issued on August 28, the warrant of arrest against Sison and more than 30 individuals is connected to a case for the 2006 discovery of a mass grave in Inopacan, Leyte that purportedly contained the bones of victims of the alleged purging by the New People's Army in the 1980s.

Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 has recommended no bail for the accused.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Marine Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said the military would coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice on the arrest of the Netherlands-based communist leader.

Arevalo has promised to continue to go after communist terrorists who "perpetrated dastardly, cowardly and devilish acts." — RSJ, GMA News