2 NPA chiefs nabbed in Caloocan City raid

MANILA, Philippines - Security forces arrested on Wednesday two suspected New People's Army (NPA) commanders who have been believed to be involved in criminal activities during separate operations in Caloocan and Quezon cities.

 

Joint forces of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines nabbed Ruben Saluta, also known as Precentation Saluta in the NPA organization, along with Enrique Ruiz Belmonte and Eduardo Garcia in an operation in  North Olympus Subdivision in Barangay Urduja, Caloocan City.

 

The three men have standing warrant of arrest for illegal possession of firearms.

 

Intelligence reports said Saluta is a NPA commander and has also standing warrant of arrest for rebellion charges. 

 

On the other hand, authorities also collared Emmanuel Bacarra for murder charges together with Leilani Marasigan, Roy Baldostamo, Veraflor Guevarra, Emmanuel Villamor, and Miguel Cortez in Celia Subdivision, Deparo, Caloocan City.

 

Bacarra was also identified as NPA commander operating in Occidental Mindoro.

 

Both Saluta and Bacarra were members of the Avatar group involved in the series of criminal activities transpired in years 2011, 2013 and 2014. 

 

The criminal group has been operating in Southern Luzon Region, authorities said. 

 

Meanwhile  Policarpio Herrera, also a member of the Avatar group, was arrested during a raid in North Olympus Subdivision, Barangay Kaligayahan, Quezon City.