Terrorist tag for rebels in Cagayan ambush sought

TUGUEGARAO CITY , Philippines  â€“ The Philippine National Police wants New People’s Army (NPA) rebels involved in the May 27 ambush in Allacapan, Cagayan tagged as terrorists and barred from seeking government amnesty if convicted.

The ambush left eight policemen dead and seven others wounded.

Senior Superintendent Franklin Mabanag, chief of the police regional directorial staff, yesterday said they will file additional charges of robbery against NPA commander Lolito Rasa and 14 of his men.

Mabanag said the rebels robbed the slain policemen of money and personal belongings.

He said the rebels reportedly took from the victims six Armalite rifles, two Austrian-made Glock 9mm pistols, and five CZ 9mm pistols. 

The Special Investigation Task Force Allacapan had earlier filed charges of violation of Republic Act 9372 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2007 against Rasa and his comrades in connection with the carnage.

All respondents remain at large.

If convicted, Mabanag told The STAR that Rasa and the other NPA rebels will be jailed for at least 40 years without eligibility for parole.

Cagayan Valley Assistant State Prosecutor Ronnel Nicolas said terrorism is not a political crime.

Nicolas said amnesty is granted only to those who have committed political crimes.

“If the NPAs are branded as terrorists, they will not be eligible for amnesty,” he added.

Regional State Prosecutor Jonathan Baligod, on the other hand, said no case has been filed with the court so far declaring the NPA as a terrorist group.