Ex-communist leader Rodolfo Salas nabbed in Pampanga

A former ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga early Tuesday morning, police said.

Information from Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac identified the suspect as one Rodolfo Canda Salas, 72, also known as Kumander Bilog.

Banac said Police Regional Office 3 operatives served the warrant of arrest for murder against Salas. It was served in front of his partner and some barangay officials.

The warrant of arrest was issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Presiding Judge Honorable Thelma Bunyi-Medina.

Issued on August 28, 2019, it was connected to a case for the 2006 discovery of a mass grave in Inopacan, Leyte which contained the bones of supposed victims of the purging by communist rebels in the 1980s.

Seized from Salas were one cal. 45 pistol Para-Ordnance, a total of 174 different ammunition, and two cal. 45 magazine assembly.

Salas led the NPA during the 80's, an era many perceived as the height of the communist rebellion. —KBK, GMA News