Alleged NPA leader arrested in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines - An alleged commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Bicol was arrested in a raid on his safehouse in Pasig City Monday afternoon, an official said yesterday.

Sandy Malaca, also known as Jamay and Angel, was taken to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters at Camp Crame for booking before he is presented to the court that issued the arrest warrant for two counts of murder in connection with the death of two soldiers in Camarines Sur in 2007.

CIDG-National Capital Region director Senior Superintendent Robert Fajardo said Malaca was caught in his safehouse in Barangay Pinagbuhatan by CIDG police officers and soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Battalion.

He added that the police sought support from the military as a precautionary measure since Malaca is considered armed and dangerous.

Police officers did not say when Malaca started using his safehouse.