NBI nabs former NPA hitman

MANILA, Philippines - Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently arrested in Makati City a former New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla who was also a gun-for-hire and is considered as one of the most wanted suspects in Oriental Mindoro, an official said yesterday.

NBI Director Nestor Mantaring identified the suspect as Vincer Sapungan, who was arrested last July 9 and is currently detained at the NBI jail in Manila.

NBI’s Interpol Division reported that Sapungan is involved in at least 25 cases of summary execution as an alleged member of an NPA hit squad in Oriental Mindoro, as well as ambushes on police officers and soldiers in the province.

The NBI said Sapungan was charged with multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder for his alleged involvement in an ambush in Sitio Mamao on July 4, 2000, wherein eight policemen were killed and four others seriously wounded.

The NBI’s Calapan District Office (CALDO) filed a murder case against him, Eddie Godoyo and Josan Sapungan for allegedly killing Ernando de Juan on Nov. 24, 2003.

Two more murder cases were filed against him in Calapan City Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 40, for the death of a certain Cleofe Teofilo on May 15, 2004, in Barangay Villa Cereza; and for the death of Manalo Ciriaco, in Barangay Alcate.

The NBI said Sapungan was also engaged in gun-for-hire activities after leaving the CPP-NPA years ago, and was hiding in Taguig City.   – Sandy Araneta