Police nab alleged communist rebel wanted for murder
Murder suspect Raymond Paner. Image courtesy of Ibalom Municipal Station
MANILA, Philippines — An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) facing murder and direct assault charges has been arrested by authorities in Iloilo almost a decade after his crimes were committed.
Maj. Renato Monreal II, acting chief of police at the Sibalom Municipal Station, confirmed to INQUIRER.net on Tuesday that Raymund Paner alias Panen, a resident of Sibalom, Antique, was nabbed at Barangay Tig-amaga in the town of Miagao on Sunday morning.
According to Monreal, the suspect is under Squad 1 of Suyak Platoon from the Southern Front Committee-Komiteng Rehiyon Panay (SFC-KRP) of the NPA.
Paner was collared by virtue of warrants of arrest in connection with complaints for murder and direct assault upon a person in authority.
Monreal said the crime was committed in December 2013 when Paner killed Leonardo Dungganon Sr., the father and namesake of a barangay kagawad who was then trying to pacify an argument involving the suspect.
“Si Paner, parang medyo na-offend siya o nagalit kasi sinaway siya. So sinubukan niyang saksakin si Leonardo Dungganon Jr. pero nakaiwas siya. Kaya lang noong nakaiwas ito, nakita naman niya itong father noong kagawad na si Leonardo Dungganon Sr. Iyon naman ‘yong hinabol niya, iyon ang sinaksak niya,” Monreal shared in a phone interview.
(Paner apparently got offended after he was reprimanded so he tried to stab Leonardo Dungganon Jr. but the latter was able to avoid the knife. Paner then chased and stabbed the barangay kagawad’s father, Leonardo Dungganon Sr.)
The victim was later brought to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Sibalom Municipal Police Station, but Monreal disclosed that he may be transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology or the Antique Rehabilitation Center.
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