In Northern Samar: NPA female leader, barangay chief, 3 others arrested

CATARMAN, N. SAMAR, Philippines — A joint military-police force arrested a New People’s Army leader, Marieta Bartolo, alias Tayang, an incumbent barangay chairwoman, and their three companions at Barangay Bangkerohan in Catarman town of Northern Samar last Friday afternoon.

Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Francisco Agno, told The Philippine Star and The Freeman that troopers of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade and the Northern Samar Provincial Police Office caught Bartolo, village chief Ruth Martirez Figueroa, and three others while riding a vehicle.

The four other arrested suspects are Ruth Martirez Figueroa — president of Bayan Muna-Northern Samar and incumbent Barangay Chairperson of UEP Zone 3 in Catarman — and Emboy Loberiano alias Bagyo, Danny Basiloy, and Gil Martirez, who were on the vehicle with Bartolo and were found in possession of high-powered firearms.

Three .45-caliber pistols, a .38-caliber, a caliber-40 Glock and a 9mm KG pistols were found from the vehicle used by the five suspects during their arrest. Other items recovered were 12 envelopes, containing P30,000 cash each, and other documents deemed subversive in nature.

The inter-agency operation was carried out by virtue of two arrest warrants, issued by the Gamay Regional Trial Court-Branch 38 for the crime of murder (case number 12-148), and frustrated murder (case no. 12-149) against Bartolo.

Agno said Bartolo is the front secretary of Metro 1-SRC Emporium, an NPA unit operating in the towns of Pambujan, San Roque, Silvino Lobos, Las Navas, Mondragon, and Catarman — all in Northern Samar — that was allegedly responsible to the atrocities against government forces and civilians in the province.

"This is actually a big set back on the part of the NPA rebel group in Northern Samar, kasi makapal pa ang forces ng mga rebelde dun, Aside from that Bartolo being the secretary sa areas na yun, siya talaga ang kumikilos sa mga political activities at nagpapaikot ng pera na nakukuha nila sa revolutionary tax collections. Kaya this is victorious on our part na matagal na namin hinahanap itong si alyas Tayang (Bartolo)," Agno added.

Colonel Ramil Bitong, commander of the 803rd IBde, believed that the cash found were “grease money” to support the candidacy of Figueroa, who was running for president during the election of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Catarman today.

“The suspects are now under custody of the NSPPO, and criminal charges will be filed against them, including some of their companions who might have possibly escaped, but are now subjects in a manhunt operation, Biton added.

Agno assured the public that the security of Bartolo and her companions will be tightened, guarded by a joint military-police force, while being detained at the Catarman Police jail. The authorities are anticipating for possible rescue operation to be carried out by the rebels. (FREEMAN)