4 suspected NPA members arrested in Davao Oriental

Four suspected members of the New People’s Army were arrested while on their way to Lupon, Davao Oriental from the provincial capital Mati, a military report said Thursday.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, identified the suspects as Jerome Jaquin Apyag, alias Santilmong Bakang, 25, of Masar Panurava, Maco, Compostela Valley; Jerman Andress alias Has, 22, of Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur; Reymark Cabilan alias Bolantoy, 16, of So Licop, Barangay Sainz, Mati, Davao Oriental; and Eking Artchie alias Bunso, 18, of Barangay Langka, Lupon, Davao Oriental.

According to the report, the suspects were transporting weapons and explosives and were believed to be members of Section Committee 18 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Zagala said they alerted their troops to be on the lookout for the group based on the information they received from the community.

The troops chanced upon and cornered the suspects on board a private vehicle on the highway in Barangay Dugmanon, San Isidro, Davao Oriental around 11:45 p.m., August 8.

Recovered from the suspects were four M16s; one grenade launcher (M203); one improvised explosive device; 89 rounds of M16 ammunition; one round of M203 ammunition; three long magazines for M16 (steel); two short magazines for M16 (steel); one long magazine for M16 (plastic); two short magazines for M16 (plastic); 11 Motorola radios (handheld); one digital camera; three cellphones; three hammocks; four backpacks; two bandoliers; two combat boots; medical paraphernalia; assorted medicines; a subversive document with high intelligence values;  and P1,926 cash.

The suspects were turned over to the San Isidro police and will be charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Zagala said the suspects were on their way to attend a rally in Davao City when they were intercepted. — BM/KVD, GMA News