NPA leader arrested in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) leader was arrested at a police checkpoint in Barangay Caduha-an, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday night.

Gaspar Davao, alias Aldong, was apprehended for possession of explosives and disobedience, according to Lt. Col. Robert Mansueto, acting Cadiz City police chief.

Mansueto said Davao, a resident of Barangay Pinapugasan in Escalante City, is the secretary and finance officer of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front White Area.

A fragmentation grenade, subversive documents, P14,000 in cash, eight cellular phones and various receipts were among those reportedly recovered from Davao.

The suspect, who was in a passenger van, reportedly caught the attention of law enforcers for not wearing a face mask.

Mansueto said Davao insulted police officers who asked him to fill out a contact tracing form, which is required for commuters passing Cadiz City.

The National Federation of Sugarcane Workers condemned the arrest, saying Davao was accosted by police officers without being informed of his violations.