An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) accused of burning a church and houses in Iligan City was arrested in Talakag, Bukidnon.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the suspect tagged as number five most wanted person in Northern Mindanao was arrested by virtue of a warrant for alleged violation of The Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851).

CIDG said the suspect is a member of the NPA assigned at Hospital Squad under Sub-Regional Committee 5, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Authorities added that the suspect was among the group encountered by government troops in Iligan City last May 27, 2020, which resulted in the wounding of a soldier.

The next day, the group allegedly entered the house of a pastor and set it on fire.

The group also burned the church where the pastor served and two other adjacent houses.

“The act of burning civilian houses was CNT's deceptive tactic to divert the attention of the pursuing government troops and the community, this is to cover their escape from the continuous military pursuit operation,” CIDG said.

“The CNTs intentionally directed attacks against civilian population and intentionally attacked civilian objects- a blatant violation of Republic Act 9851,” it added.

Authorities pressed charges against the suspects on June 17, 2020, and the arrest warrant was issued by the court with no bail recommended.