Alleged NPA member killed in Cebu while ‘resisting arrest’ –military

An alleged New People's Army member was killed in Cebu City on Sunday night while resisting arrest, according to the Philippine military's Central Command.

Major Eduardo Preciosco, chief of the Central Command's Public Information Office, identified the fatality as Denis Paradero Rodinas, who was allegedly involved in the murder of Loreto, Agusan Del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza and his son in 2015.

According to Preciosco, security officers were attempting to serve five warrants of arrest against Rodinas in Barangay Pong-ol Sibugay when he resisted the arresting officers. The security men responded with deadly force and Rodinas was killed.

Meanwhile, his companion, Gerlie Mercado, was taken into custody by authorities.

The Central Command alleged that Mercado was a top NPA member under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Among the evidence seized during the security operation were an automobile; a .45 caliber pistol; various mobile phones; an identification card; and a certificate of employment.

Mercado is now in police custody.

Meanwhile, the military thanked the citizens who had provided information on Rodinas' location.

"We were able to plan out and implement all measures that will ensure the swift arrest as well as the safety of the people nearby during the operation. However, he died after being hostile to the arresting officers," Colonel Jerry Borja, chief of the Task Force Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, said. — DVM, GMA News