NPA leader arrested in Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines — A leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Central Luzon was arrested in Mexico, Pampanga on Friday.

Jose Bernardino, secretary of the NPA’s Central Luzon Regional White Area Committee, who has a P4.7 million bounty for his arrest, was apprehended by military and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group personnel in Barangay Sapang Maisac at around 10:45 a.m.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said a .45-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, cell phones and documents of high-value were recovered from the suspect.

Sinas said the arrest was based on a warrant for rebellion issued by Nueva Vizcaya Regional Trial Court Branch 30 Judge Paul Attolba Jr.

Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, Central Luzon police director, said Bernardino organized labor unions as fronts of the communist movement and was tagged in the killing of four soldiers in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya in September 2017.

The suspect is also on the list of most wanted persons of the Departments of the Interior and Local Government and National Defense.