MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A ranking leader of the leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) was arrested in Negros Occidental on Monday, a military official said today.
Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Brigade, identified the NPA leader as Romulo Bitoon alias "Molong." Bitoon was arrested in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
Aying said Bitoon is secretary of the Regional United White Area Committee and is a member of the NPA's Regional Executive Committee.
He said Bitoon has standing warrants of arrest for murder and arson. Aying said the NPA leader was involved in the killing of a soldier in Cadiz City in 2010 and the burning of a loading station of sugar miller Victorias Milling Co. in Negros Occidental in 2008.
Prior to Bitoon's arrest, a ranking NPA leader identified as Victor Tapang was nabbed by the Philippine military in Negros Occidental on Feb. 15. Tapang is also a member of the NPA's Regional Executive Committee.