5 alleged NPA rebels arrested in Leyte

LEYTE, Philippines — Five alleged members of the New People’s Army in Leyte were arrested yesterday.

Reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo identified one of those apprehended as Frenchie Mae Cumpio, alias Pen, said to be the secretary of the Regional White Area Committee-Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Also arrested were UP graduate Mira Dalla Legion, alias Lira, chairperson of Anakbayan in Eastern Visayas; Alexander Philip Abinguna, Marielle Domequil and Marissa Cabaljao, secretary-general of People Surge Alliance-Eastern Visayas.

The suspects reportedly yielded four caliber .45 pistols, various types of ammunition, two fragmentation grenades, a KG9 rifle and subversive documents during raids on their safehouses in Barangays 77 and 96 in Tacloban City.

“They are victimizing young innocent students... pinalalakas nila ang recruitment sa mga schools natin,” Brig. Gen. Lope Dagoy, 8th Infantry Division commander, said.