Arrest of suspected NPA leader a big blow to communists — AFP spox

The arrest of Jaime Padilla, a suspected leader of the New People's Army (NPA), is a big blow to the communist group, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said on Tuesday.

"Ito ay napakalaking dagok na isa na namang malaki at mataas na opisyal ng New People's Army ang muli na namang nahulog sa kamay ng batas upang managot sa kaniyang mga kasalanan sa ating lipunan at sa umiiral na batas," Arevalo said during a press briefing.

"Nagpapakita ito ng patuloy na malaking pagsuporta buhat sa mamamayang Pilipino na siyang nagturo sa atin, nagbigay ng impormasyon kung nasaan si Padilla that led to his arrest," he added.

Padilla, who was the spokesperson of the NPA Southern Tagalog, was nabbed by joint police and military forces in Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City on Monday.

The communist leader has a standing warrant arrest for multiple murder, police said. Padilla's three alleged cohorts were also arrested during the operation.

The four individuals are presently detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - National Capital Region in Camp Crame.

Following Padilla's arrest, Arevalo called on communist rebels to surrender to authorities, noting that they should take advantage of the Christmas season to be with their families.

"Sana ito ay magbigay ng leksyon at kaisipan sa mga natitira pang miyembro ng NPA, lalo na 'yung matataas nilang opisyal na pagkakataon na nila ito para sila ay sumuko at pagkakataong magbagong-buhay," Arevalo said.

"It is time for them to be reunited with their families that they have long abandoned... this time of the year is the time for peace. It's time for them to reconsider fighting the government, to return to the folds of the law..." he added.

Data from the military indicated that from January 1 to November 20, 2019, a total of 8,336 communists surrendered to authorities, while 121 others were killed during operations and 250 were nabbed.

Arevalo further said the total of firearms seized were 1,537 while 404 improvised explosive devices were confiscated. — BM, GMA News