(Photo courtesy of PRO-Caraga Information Office)
BUTUAN CITY – Police arrested two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) during a joint law enforcement operation in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, on Monday, October 19.
Police Regional Office (PRO) Caraga Director Brig. Gen. Rolindo Suguilon identified the suspects as alias Kiami, 24, and alias Chez, 25, who ranked second and third, respectively, on Surigao del Sur’s most wanted persons list.
The two were apprehended in Purok 1, Barangay Malixi, following a coordinated operation involving several police units.
According to Suguilon, Kiami is a resident of Sitio Han-ayan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, and allegedly serves as political guide of Squad 3 under the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Westland of the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Chez, meanwhile, resides in Sitio Mike in the same barangay and is reportedly a member of Squad 1 of the same rebel unit.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the 1301st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, the 3rd Special Action Battalion of the Special Action Force, Regional Intelligence Unit 13, and the Surigao del Sur Provincial Intelligence Team, together with local police officers from Tagbina.
Authorities said the suspects were arrested based on outstanding warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 41 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, and the Tago-San Miguel Municipal Circuit Trial Court.
The pending cases involve frustrated murder, multiple attempted murders, and direct assault with attempted homicide.
Suguilon credited the arrests to strengthened coordination among police intelligence units and other law enforcement personnel.
“This accomplishment is attributed to the strong partnership and collaboration among the intelligence community and is significant to sustaining the Stable Internal Peace and Security status of the Caraga Region,” Suguilon said in a statement Wednesday.
He emphasized that the operation supports ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across the region.
The police official also assured residents that PRO-Caraga would continue conducting manhunt operations against individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.
Suguilon reiterated the regional police force’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement coordination and maintaining public safety throughout Caraga.
