Cops nab suspect in banana plantation attacks in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines - Police have arrested a suspected communist rebel who was allegedly involved in attacks on pineapple plantations in Bukinon province last week.

Elements of the Libona Municipal police and the Regional Public Safety Battalion nabbed Valeriano Anonsaon Jr. in Barangay Sil-ipon, Libona, Bukidnon at around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Authorities said Anonsaon has a pending arrest warrant for attempted homicide issued by Judge Lourdes Eltanal-Ignacio of the 1st Municipal Trial Court of Bukidnon which covers the jurisdictions of Talakag, Baungon and Malitbog.

Police believe that Anonsaon was among the NPA rebels who attacked Del Monte and Dole plantations in Bukidnon last February 19.

Two suspected rebels were arrested during the follow-up operation in Barangay Kihare, Manolo Fortich town.

Reports said the Libona police received information from an informant that Valeriano was last spotted in Barangay Sil-ipo, where he stayed with his wife’s uncle.

He was reportedly recuperating from the injuries which he got during an encounter with soldiers last February 23.

Anonsaon said that three more rebels were wounded and three others were killed in the same reported encounter.

The management of Del Monte is now coordinating with the local police in the filing of Arson cases against the arrested rebel suspect.

Police have identified other suspects based on the description of witnesses.