NTF-Elcac: Raps vs 11 alleged rebels to test mettle of antiterror law

MANILA, Philippines — The charges against 11 alleged New People’s Army members is a landmark case for the antiterror law, the anticommunist task force said on Thursday.

In a statement, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) said the charges are “the first litmus test for the anti-terrorism law.”

“If convicted, this would be the first historic case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against the Maoist-inspired NPA,” the NTF-Elcac also said.

Terrorism charges have already been filed against NPA members for their alleged involvement in the ambush of government troops on May 30 last year at Barangay Malisbong in Occidental Mindoro’s Sablayan town, according to the Department of Justice.

“The intent behind the ambush was deemed to cause death and serious injury, and spread an atmosphere of fear, thereby destabilizing the fundamental political, economic and social structures of the Philippines,” said James Clifford Santos, spokesperson for the NTF-Elcac’s legal cooperation cluster, in an online press briefing.

READ: NPA down to around 1,500 fighters–AFP

DOJ said those facing charges were identified as Jovito Marquez, Antonio Baculo, Sonny Rogelio, Veginia Terrobias, Lena Gumpad, Job Abednego David, Jessie Almoguera, Reina Grace, Bethro Erardo Zapra Jr., Daisylyn Castillo Malucon and Yvaan Corpuz Zuniga.

Authorities said no one was reported killed or wounded among government troops.