An alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and two companions were arrested in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental following an operation jointly undertaken by police and military operatives.
Authorities identified the suspect as a certain Ramon “Using” Patriarca and he his reportedly facing 10 counts of murder charges filed at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 47 in Tagbilaran City.
The suspect is allegedly the deputy secretary and finance officer of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros.
The two others arrested were Carmen “Loisa/Avon” Jonahville Matarlo, of the Regional Communication of Central Negros Front 2; and John Michael Baldonado Tecson, alias Calvin/Clent/Harold/Getic, of the Regional Communication of Central Negros Front 1.
Matarlo is from Poblacion Argao in Cebu province while Tecson hails from barangay Bulado, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, reports say.
The three were arrested following an operation on Friday, March 18, 2022, military sources say.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, revealed the arrest of Patriarca and his two comrades is another huge blow to the communist terrorist group (CTG) NPA.
“They may have been very quick to release propaganda denying their losses and setbacks, but with this development, they can no longer deny the weakening of their forces in Negros Island,” he said.
The alleged communist rebels reportedly yielded hand grenades, short firearms, a KG-9 submachine gun with magazines, 310 pieces of AK47 live ammunition, several mobile phones, subversive documents, and a National Democratic Front (NDF) flag, among others, the report adds.
