Suspected NPA leader arrested in San Juan

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) leader was nabbed at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City on Monday.

Police on Tuesday identified the suspect as Jaime Padilla, who has a standing warrant of arrest for multiple murder.

Padilla was nabbed by joint operatives from the Eastern Police District and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - National Capital Region after receiving information about his location.

At a press conference in Quezon City, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting director Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas said the suspect was confined at the said hospital due to hypertension.

According to Sinas, Padilla also has a kidnapping case aside from multiple murder.

Sinas said three of Padilla’s alleged cohorts were also arrested. They were identified as Rey Rafa, 30; Jefren Banjawan, 26; and Kay Ann Trogon, 27.

Sinas said authorities are checking the affiliation of Padilla’s alleged cohorts.

"'Yung tatlo na 'yan will be charged for harboring wanted persons and we will check if they have existing warrant of arrest... we are also checking ano ang associations nila," Sinas said.

The acting Metro Manila top cop said no firearm was confiscated during the arrest of the four individuals.

Sinas said police are also looking for the vehicle that was used to transport Padilla to the hospital.

Padilla is believed to be the spokesperson of the NPA Southern Tagalog, authorities said.

Police said Padilla was already brought to the CIDG-NCR office in Camp Crame. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK/RSJ, GMA News