2 communist leaders arrested in Cavite

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Police and military personnel arrested two officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Tuesday.

Evangeline Rapanut, 2nd deputy secretary for organization and deputy secretary of the National Education Department of the CPP-NPA-NDF, and Randy Tamayo, communication staff of the same NPA unit, have pending arrest warrants for murder and frustrated murder, Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra, Calabarzon police director, said.

An M16 rifle, 18 rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, blasting caps, communication equipment and electronic devices were reportedly recovered from the suspects.

Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr. of the 202nd Infantry Brigade said Rapanut and her group are in charge of party courses and other orientations to radicalize the youth, including members of indigenous communities, trade unions, urban poor and peasants.

In Ifugao, an NPA rebel was killed in an encounter with government troopers in Sitio Binangyuyaw, Barangay Namal in Asipulo town on Sunday.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, 7th Infantry Division commander, said a rifle was recovered from the fatality, who has yet to be identified.