2 top NPA leaders, 2 others nabbed in MisOr

By Franck Dick Rosete / Philippine News Agency

SEIZED. The firearms and ammunition confiscated from two New People’s Army leaders and two other members who were arrested in Alagatan village, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Thursday (Sept. 16, 2021). The Satur couple is considered high-value targets and tagged as most wanted persons, both facing three counts of murder and frustrated murder. (Photo courtesy of 58th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two high-ranking New People's Army (NPA) leaders and two others were arrested after a joint military and police operation in Alagatan village, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on Thursday.

A press release from the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) identified the two leaders as Manuelito Satur, alias Mosong, 56, resident of Barangay San Luis, Gingoog City; and his wife Merlyn, alias Maya, of Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental.

Both are from the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).

The two other arrested NPA rebels were identified as Fidel Guinahon Romania, alias Johnson, of Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong town; and Floramae Llagas Domo, alias Sayros, of Barangay Quezon, Balingasag town. Both are medical staff of the NPA’s SRC1, NCMRC.

Authorities said the Satur couple are considered high-value targets and tagged as most wanted persons, both facing three counts of murder and frustrated murder.

Seized from the operation were one M4 Rifle, one M203 Grenade launcher, one .45 caliber pistol with magazine loaded with ammo, 40mm grenade, 13 cellphones, power bank, SD cards, and subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, 58IB commanding officer, commended the people of Alagatan village for their cooperation, sharing vital information on the presence of NPA rebels in their locality.

"The people of Alagatan saw the reality that the government is sincere in helping them for their community development and I believe this is the reason why the people cooperated and reported NPA presence in their area. For that, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the people who willingly shared this vital information," Canatoy said.

The four rebels were initially brought to the 58IB headquarters for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) antigen test, and scheduled for vaccination, in coordination with the local government unit of Claveria town. They were later brought to the Claveria police station for filing of cases. (PNA)