Nueva Vizcaya declared NPA-free

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – After neighboring Quirino province has been declared insurgency-free, it is now the turn of this landlocked province to be freed from threats from the more than three decades-old communist movement.

The Tarlac City-based Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), in a statement over the weekend, said Nueva Vizaya’s internal security operations are now under the supervision of local officials since the province has already been declared free from serious threats from the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Besides Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino in the Cagayan Valley region, the Armed Forces earlier had declared insurgency-free the provinces of Apayao in the Cordillera region as well as Tarlac and Aurora in Central Luzon.

Meanwhile, Nolcom troops apprehended Eldo Sandoval, an alleged communist leader, in Pampanga last week.

Maj. Rosendo Armas, Nolcom spokesman, said Sandoval, also known in the underground movement as Gerry Vergara, Diosdado Villaganas Remulta, and Tanda, had been wanted for murder.  

Reports said Sandoval was cornered by military and police operatives along the Olongapo-Gapan Road in Barangay Dolores, San Fernando City Tuesday morning.

Seized from Sandoval were a grenade and two cell phones, Armas said.

“Sandoval committed grave offenses against his fellowmen being the leader of a terrorist group that harassed and abused people. It’s about time he faces the law and be meted due punishment,” said Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David Jr.