San Fernando resident among ‘rebels’ nabbed

CEBU, Philippines —  Four persons, including a Cebuano, were nabbed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a follow-up operation against top officials of the New People’s Army at Sitio Mamposo, Barangay Magballo, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.

The AFP’s 15th Infantry Battalion had arrested Emmylo Cañares, alias Sid and Drey, 38, a resident of South Poblacion, San Fernando, Cebu.

Cañares reportedly is the former finance officer of the Bohol party committee and is presently the secretary of the second National Urban Party of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Also arrested was George Buga-ay, alias Samantha and Alexa, 42, from Barangay Orong, Kabankalan City.

He is reportedly a former squad leader and finance logistics officer of the regional strike forces of the Kilusan Rehiyon Negros (KRN). He is allegedly also the former secretary general of the Pamalakaya Negros and is currently the regional communication officer of the KRN.

The others arrested were Relyn “Sam” Morena, 22, of Barangay Orong Kabankalan City.  Morena reportedly is one of the NPA’s regional communication staff.

The fourth person nabbed was Raffy “Paolo” Patajo, 21, from Sitio Montelo, Barangay Pinggot Ilog, Kabankalan.  He is allegedly the former squad finance logistics officer of platoon 3 and a squad leader of platoon 2 of the south west front, KRN and a regional communication staff.

Army Captain Cenon Pancito, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the arrest was part of the intelligence and follow-up operation along with the Philippine National Police against the rebels after an encounter last Wednesday in that locality.

“We conducted a follow-up operation sa Ilog Kabankalan, after sa nahitabo nga encounter niadtong July 8. And when we arrested them (and) after a series of validation, mga high ranking officials diay ni sila sa NPA,” Pancito said.

He also said that Cañares seldom goes home to San Fernando and that she would just go to Bohol since the area is allegedly part of her jurisdiction.

Seized from them were a caliber .45 pistol, .38 revolver and five bullets, four hand grenades, P119,354 cash, cellular phones and several alleged subversive documents from the NPA.  GAN (FREEMAN)