Communist leader nabbed in Davao

MANILA, Philippines - A communist leader charged with robbery and murder has been arrested by security forces in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Reports reaching the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command said rebel leader Dominiciano Muya was nabbed last Thursday in a checkpoint along Barangay Mankilam at around 1:45 p.m.

Muya was apprehended by authority of warrants for robbery with double homicide and damage to properties and multiple murder and double frustrated murder issued by two local courts.

Authorities offered P4.8 million for any information that would lead to his arrest.

Known by the aliases “Marco” and “Atoy,” Muya was tagged in the killing of policemen PO1 Marito Correos and PO1 Rey Ejercito in Agusan del Sur in 2004 and the killing of military officer 2Lt. Lucresio Julampong Jr. in Davao Oriental in 2009.

Arresting officers confiscated a cal. 45 pistol, a hand grenade, two cellular phones and documents from the suspect.

Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman Cpt. Alberto Caber said Muya was a staff member of the Communist Party of the Philippines Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee and a former secretary of a local guerilla front.

The suspect is said to be a member of the Southern Mindanao Regional Party Executive Committee when he was arrested.

Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año, chief of the Army 10th division, said Muya’s capture was “another major setback” to the communist rebellion.