PNP takes custody of reb leader from Malaysia
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday officially took custody of a ranking Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) leader who was repatriated by Malaysian authorities to Manila after years in hiding.
PNP chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. said that “Eric Jun Baring Casilao” is wanted by Philippine judicial authorities to stand trial for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and attempted murder.
The suspect is the subject of several warrants of arrest issued by Philippine courts as an accused in criminal cases of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention. The Philippine government has offered a P5.4-million reward for information leading to his arrest, the top cop said.
Casilao and his party wife, who herself is “wanted” in the Philippines for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and attempted murder, fled to Malaysia to escape the crackdown by Philippine authorities.
The PNP, in turn, sought the assistance of the Royal Malaysian Police Force to capture the fugitives.
Eric Casilao was arrested by the Malaysian police at the Langkawi immigration check-in counter on April 1, 2023, while en route to Thailand via a ferry boat using fake travel documents. He was subsequently deported to Manila on April 17, 2023.
Azurin expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian authorities for their cooperation in arresting and deporting the “high-value communist terrorist.”
“This successful operation is a testament to our strong partnership with our international counterparts in the fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality. We will continue to work together to ensure the safety and security of our respective nations,” he said.
PNP Director for Intelligence Major Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. said that the male Casilao will be presented to the concerned court for the procedural return of the warrant of arrest issued against him by a local court in Davao de Oro.
“This operation serves as a significant blow to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Mindanao and is expected to lead to more successful operations against their ranks. This is a clear message to all CTG leaders and members that the PNP and its partner agencies will not stop until justice is served,” Azurin said.
