CEBU - The Central Command of Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police arrested a top leader of the New People’s Army in Central Visayas in barangay Casili, Consolacion town around 11 a.m. last Thursday.
The alleged leader was identified as Ramon Patriarca, who also goes by the aliases of “Willy”, “Aking”, “Duro” and “Robert.”
Patriarca is said to be the deputy secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas, and finance officer and head of the NPA’s taxation bureau based in Negros Island.
Policemen of the Cebu Provincial Police Office and elements of the 78th Infantry Battalion intercepted Patriarca while he was riding a motorcycle heading to the house of a certain “Inday” in barangay Casili.
Patriarca was arrested through a warrant issued by Danao City Regional Trial Court Branch 25 Judge Edito Enemecio for rebellion.
Recovered from Patriarca were two hand grenades, a .45 cal. pistol, a cellular phone, documents containing financial records, personal belongings and a wallet with P11,200.
Patriarca was born on March 17, 1964. A native of Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, he studied in the University of Sto. Tomas before moving to Cebu and enrolling in one of the universities here.— Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)