3 suspected NPAs nabbed in Cotabato

Three suspected communist rebels were arrested in Matalam, North Cotabato on Tuesday, authorities said on Wednesday.

Information from Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) spokesman Major Arvin Encinas identified the nabbed individuals as Cirilo Amit, an alleged finance officer of the communist group in the province, one Alex Zurita Sr., and a certain Roberto Limbaga Aspura.

Security forces from the 90th Infantry Battalion and Matalam Police conducted the operation at Purok Kamon, Barangay New Alemodian after receiving information about the presence of the communists in the area.

Seized from them were one Norinco MP27 Caliber 45 pistol with two magazines and 17 rounds of ammunition; one homemade revolver with 24 rounds 5.56mm ammunition; two anti-personnel improvised explosive devices; six cellular phones; one media pad; a hard drive; one power bank; one USB; a card reader; 12 sim cards; two mobile phone chargers; one AM/FM radio; cash worth P10, 435.00; assorted documents; assorted IDs; medicines; and some personal belongings.

The communist rebels were immediately brought to the 90IB headquarters for custodial debriefing.

WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana vowed that the military would continue its intensified operations against the communist group and other lawless elements in the region. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News