4 NPA rebels nabbed

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Government operatives have arrested four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Bukidnon and Compostela Valley.

Henry Omandam, alias Empoy, 19; Vergel Pitogo, alias Marmar, 23; and a 16-year-old, who were suspected of burning at least seven trucks in Quezon, Bukidnon were nabbed on Tuesday in Barangay Palacapao.

Landmines, ammunition for an M203 grenade launcher and t-shirts with NPA logos were seized from the rebels.

Another NPA guerrilla was captured after a 40-minute gunfight with members of the 25th Infantry Battalion in Barangay New Manay in Maragusan, Compostela Valley on Monday.

Government troops recovered an M16 rifle, four improvised landmines, a 500-meter electrical wire, 18 backpacks, 13 pairs of rain boots, medical and dental paraphernalia and assorted personal belongings. – Edith Regalado, Jaime Laude