NPA leader, 3 others nabbed in Sarangani

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Soccsksargen and three other communist rebels were arrested in Maitum, Sarangani on Thursday.

Nicanor Pason, also known as Commander Caston; Bernard Prespetero, spokesman for the NPA’s South Mindanao Regional Committee; a certain Josephine Sumagaysay and Reynaldo Loyola were riding separate motorcycles when they were flagged down in Barangay Kalaong, Lt. Jones Otida, 27th Infantry Battalion commander, said.

Authorities said they shot Pason when he pulled out a fragmentation grenade. He was taken to the Maitum Hospital for treatment.

Pason has a standing arrest warrant for murder issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 38 in Alabel town.

He was also tagged in the burning of buses and heavy equipment of construction firms whose owners refused to pay so-called “protection money” on a regular basis.

Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus,  Soccsksargen police director, said Pason is also facing charges for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in various courts.