Suspect in Guingona ambush arrested in Misamis Oriental

MANILA, Philippines - Security forces arrested a suspect in the ambush of Gingoog Mayor Ruthie Guingona in a follow-up operation in Villanueva town, Misamis Oriental on Sunday.

Joel Yagao was arrested in Barangay Poblacion Proper by a joint team from the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police, according to Capt. Christian Uy, spokesman for the Army’s 4th Division.

Yagao’s arrest was based on a warrant for double and multiple frustrated murder in connection with the attack on Guingona’s convoy last April that left two dead and three wounded, including the mayor.

Uy said the suspect was identified by a former communist rebel as a liaison officer for the Guerrilla 4B of the New People’s Army (NPA)’s North Central Mindanao Committee, the group that owned up to the ambush.  

“More suspects are expected to be apprehended since more witnesses are submitting affidavits and voluntarily giving relevant information,” Uy said in a statement.

Col. Francisco Pabayo, chief of the Army’s 403rd Brigade, said they would continue to support the police operations against those behind the attack on Guingona.

The government has described the attack as a violation of human rights. The Communist Party of the Philippines has expressed regret for the incident but claimed the first shots came from Guingona’s group.