3 NPA rebels nabbed in Sagada

MANILA, Philippines - Three communist rebels, including an official of the New People’s Army (NPA), had been arrested by security forces in Sagada, Mountain Province, the military said Wednesday.

Cpt. Gina Daet, spokesperson of the Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command, said the insurgents were apprehended in Sitio Mabbay in Barangay Poblacion last Monday at about 5 p.m.

One of the rebels arrested was identified as Lolita Longuibis, the finance and logistics officer of a local guerrilla unit based in the Mountain Province.

Daet said Longuibis has six arrest warrants for murder and has a P2.05-million bounty on her head. Authorities are still validating the identities of Longuibis’ two companions.

The reward system for wanted rebels was activated in 2006. The program, which is being implemented by the Joint Rewards Valuation Committee of the military and police, encourages the public to join the drive against insurgency.

Police and military forces also recovered subversive documents, electronic devices and cash worth P200,000. The three NPA members have been turned over to the regional police.

Maj. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, chief of the Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command, said their joint operations with the police would continue to ensure peace and development in the region. – Alexis Romero