NPA leader slain in clash at Cebu City village

CEBU CITY –– A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in what authorities considered as an “encounter” at the upland village of Pong-ol Sibugay in Cebu City on Sunday night, October 11.

Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro, director of the Central Visayas police, said policemen and the military were out to serve five warrants of arrest against Denis Paradero Rodinas and his live-in partner Girlie Mercado, who was also a suspected NPA leader from Mindanao.

Ferro said Rodinas engaged authorities in a gunfight, prompting them to retaliate.

Rodinas suffered gunshot wounds on the body.

Mercado, on the other hand, tried to escape but was collared by the police.

Commander Jerry Borja of the Army’s Task Force Cebu Bohol and Siquijor said they received information from some residents regarding the whereabouts of Rodina and Mercado.

Both suspects were in Cebu for quite some time and were building a two-story house in the village.

“We thank the villagers who tipped-off the location of Rodinas. We were able to plan out and implement all measures that will ensure the swift arrest as well as the safety of the people nearby during the operation,” Borja said.

Ferro said Rodinas and Mercado allegedly hid in Cebu after they stole “huge amounts of money” from the Communist Party of the Philippines Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Two other individuals—Brian Moralde and Rodelyn Moralde—were also arrested during the operations for alleged “harboring of criminals” and obstruction of justice, according to officials.

Recovered from Rodinas and Mercado were a 45-caliber pistol, 10 mobile phones, a KIA Rio Sedan, and several IDs.

Rodina’s, whom officials describe as one of the most wanted NPA leaders in Mindanao, is facing murder charges for allegedly killing Mayor Dario Otaza of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, and his son Daryl in Butuan City in 2015.

Mayor Otaza and his son Daryl were among the victims of alleged NPA killings in Mindanao. They were abducted and brutally murdered by NPA guerrillas who disguised as NBI agents in Butuan on Oct. 20, 2015.

“It has been said before that the long arm of the law will soon reach this fugitive and it finally happened. Mayor Otaza and his son Daryl as well as all other victims of his atrocities can be at peace now. We congratulate the strong resolve of all the AFP and PNP who are involved in years of hard work and sacrifice just to give justice to all the victims of Rodinas’ crimes. We will continue this momentum until the last NPA shall decide to put an end to their atrocities.” said Lt Gen Roberto T Ancan, commander of the Central Command.

“This operation is also dedicated to our soldiers and policemen, who died during the years of chasing Rodinas in NPA lairs in Mindanao,” he added.

LZB