Suspected NPA hitman falls in Makati City

Authorities have arrested a suspected former communist hitman allegedly involved in the killing of eight policemen in 2000, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced on Thursday. NBI director Nestor Mantaring said aside from killing eight policemen, Vincer Sapungan is also believed to be involved in at least 25 cases of execution. Citing a report from the NBI Interpol Division, Mantaring said Sapungan, who was arrested in Makati City early this month, is a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) hit squad based in Oriental Mindoro. The suspect was among those charged with multiple murder and frustrated murder for the July 4, 2000 ambush in Sitio Mamao in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro that killed eight policemen and wounded four others. The NBI Calapan District Office (CALDO) had also filed a murder case against Sapungan for the death of one Ernando de Juan on November 24, 2003. Two more murders cases were filed against him at the Calapan City Regional Trial Court Branch 40 for the death of one Cleofe G. Teofilo on May 15, 2004 in Barangay Villa Cereza, and Manalo M. Ciriaco in Brgy. Alcate, both in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro. Mantaring said Sapungan engaged in gun-for-hire activities after leaving the communist movement years ago. His last known location before his arrest was Taguig City. Sapungan is now detained at the NBI Jail, according to Mantaring. - GMANews.TV