Military says top NPA leader killed in Surigao Sur after resisting arrest

The spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) Mindanao and Komisyun Mindanao (KOMMID), who is facing a number of criminal charges, was killed after allegedly resisting arrest and exchanging fire with authorities in Surigao del Sur.

In a statement, the Eastern Mindanao Command said Alvin Loque, alias Joaquin Jacinto, was served several warrants of arrest in Barangay San Agustin Sur in Tandag City on December 10.

"Loque’s unlawful behavior and unwillingness to cooperate with the authorities in dealing with the situation peacefully had never been more apparent when he, together with an unidentified companion who also lost his life during the incident, resisted arrest by firing their guns and trading shots with the arresting authorities," the Eastmincom said.

Loque served as a pillar of KOMMID who provided leadership and direction to their vertical units, and also had a P6 million bounty on his head.

He had six standing arrest warrants issued by the courts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

According to the Eastmincom, KOMMID was responsible for destroying the life, liberty, and property of many innocent individuals, as well as promoted the communist terrorist group's "twisted" ideology.

"The Command abhors killing as a means to an end, but the duty to protect the lives of our fellowmen is of transcendental importance. We are always open and true to our commitment to helping those who are willing to go back to the folds of the law," the Eastmincom said. -MDM, GMA News