2 ABB officers captured

Two alleged officers of the communist hit squad Alex Boncayao Brigade were arrested over the weekend by agents of the Philippines National Police Intelligence Group in Balintawak, Quezon City.

Police reports identified the two ABB officers as Imelda Vicario, alias Jovy, Emy and Loi, and Jocelyn Codellus. The two were arrested by joint PNP Intelligence Group and Central Luzon Police Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division agents at the vicinity of the Cloverleaf Market in Balintawak.

Seized from the suspects were a caliber .380 Beretta pistol with defaced serial number, a homemade caliber .38 revolver, subversive documents and a cellular phone. According to police, Vicario is the head of the National Operations Command (NOC) of the ABB-Partido Marxista Leninista ng Pilipinas. Codellus is reportedly a ranking member of the NOC's finance staff.

Police said that Vicario, who was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued in April 20, 1998 by Judge Cesar Cinco of Catarman, Northern Samar, is a seasoned ABB assassin.

Vicario was said to be involved in the murders of a certain Venicia Gallardo on July 28, 1993 and Gregorio Dee in Nov. 29, 1993.

Police added that Vicario was also allegedly behind the murder of Army Captain Jovito Solima in November 1997 in Catarman, Northern Samar. Charges for illegal possession of firearms were filed by the police against Vicario and Codellus.