CIDG agents capture NPA rebel wanted for burning church, houses
A MEMBER of the New People’s Army wanted for burning a church and several houses in Iligan City in May 2020 was captured by security forces led by agents of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, a report to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said yesterday.
PNP-CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III identified the suspect as alias “Christopher/Batman,” tagged as the 5th Regional Most Wanted Person in Northern Mindanao.
The official said that the accused was tracked down in in his hiding place in Bgy. Tikalaan in Talakag, Bukidnon last Sunday and was arrested on the strength of a warrant for violation of Republic Act 9851 or The Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
The charges stemmed from the suspect’s involvement in the alleged burning of a church and houses in Iligan City which sowed public fear five years ago.
Torre described the accused as a member of the Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the CPP/NPA.
A report said that around 12 noon of May 27, 2020, a 30-minute gunbattle erupted between patrolling Army soldiers and NPA rebels in Bgy. Mainit in Iligan City.
One Army trooper was wounded during the firefight before the guerrillas withdrew towards the direction of nearby Bgy. Limunda in Opol, Misamis Oriental.
Around 3 a.m. of the following day, the fleeing rebels entered the residence of a pastor of the Lord Assembly Church and burned his house, two adjacent houses and the church to divert the attention of pursuing government troops and the community and cover their escape.
According to the CIDG director, the rebels intentionally directed their attacks against the civilian population and attacked civilian objects, which is a blatant violation of RA 9851.
