2 activists nabbed in Bicol

MANILA, Philippines — Two activists were arrested in separate police operations that resulted in the recovery of firearms and explosives in the Bicol region at dawn yesterday.

Police said Danilo Balucio, 61, was arrested following a raid on his house in Sto. Domingo town in Albay at around 3 a.m.

The raiding team reportedly recovered a loaded .45 caliber pistol, two rifle magazines, a hand grenade and a banner of Bagong Hukbong Bayan from Balucio’s house in Barangay San Isidro.

The raid was based on a warrant issued by Legazpi City Regional Trial Court Branct 4 Judge Edgar Armes.

The warrant was served by members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police.

Balucio is secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bicol and pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philipines (UCCP).

The UCCP said police ordered Balucio, his family and his friend to lie face down as the house was searched.

Meanwhile, Sasah Sta. Rosa, 21, was arrested at her house in Barangay Cararayan in Naga City, Camarines Sur for alleged possession of firearms and explosives.

Sta. Rosa is chairperson of Jovenes Anakbayan-Naga chapter.

In a post on social media, Anakbayan said at least 10 police officers arrived at Sta. Rosa’s house at past 3 a.m. and forced her family out before conducting the search.

The group accused the police of planting evidence against its members. – Evelyn Macairan