NPA leader, 3 others nabbed in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Four suspected communist rebels, including the alleged successor of slain New People’s Army (NPA) leader Leoncio Pitao or Kumander Parago, were arrested by security forces in Calinan district here Thursday.

1/Lt. Alexander Cabales, spokesman for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, identified the suspects as Christopher Rollon, alleged leader of the NPA Pulang Bagani Command 1, and his companions Alexander Abalos, Bartolome Rannie Ninal and Mike Capito.

The four were having lunch at in eatery here when they were arrested based on two warrants issued by a local court for robbery and attempted murder.

“Rollon is believed to be the successor of Leoncio Pitao, alias Parago, who was killed in a military encounter a month ago,” Cabales said.

Pitao and his medical aide were killed in a firefight with Army troopers in Pacquibato district on June 28. 

Cabales said Bartolome was the political officer of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao regional committee, the rebel’s operating unit in the Davao region.

Rollon denied he was still with the NPA, saying he left the group in 2007. 

Authorities seized a .45 caliber pistol, two grenades and bomb-making materials from the suspects.