Alleged top NPA leader in Kalinga falls

LA Trinidad, Benguet – Kalinga’s top rebel leader Kennedy Bangibang, famously known as “Ka Akhbar,” has been arrested by authorities at a checkpoint in Bangao, Buguias town, Benguet.

Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, Cordillera regional police director, said that the elusive Bangibang, who carries a P2.5 million reward on his head, was on his way to a communist movement “plenum” in Sagada town, Mt. Province when held by policemen and military intelligence agents.

Magalong said Bangibang was alone when he was arrested last Saturday.

Bangibang is the alleged secretary of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (Guerilla Front) codenamed “Baggas” operating in Kalinga and some parts of Apayao province.

“He has various cases to face in Kalinga,”  Magalong said.

“Ka Akhbar” is the highest NPA leader cornered this year after Grayson Naogsan, son of Cordillera Peoples Democratic Front (CPDF) spokesperson Simon Naogsan.

Naogsan, who had a P3.2 million reward on his head, was arrested by policemen inside a mall in Baguio City in November last year.

The Kalinga rebel leader is also an alleged member of the executive committee of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Party Committee of the CPP-NPA because of his rank in Kalinga province.

Police and military intelligence operatives are not hunting down Bangibang's colleagues.