Police nab another NPA member involved in Bukidnon attacks

POLICEMEN arrive in Camp Philips in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon following an attack on the compound owned by Del Monte Phils. by armed men believed to be communist rebels. BOBBY LAGSA/INQUIRER MINDANAO FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—An alleged member of the New People’s Army involved in the attacks of multinational firms Dole and Del Monte in Bukidnon last week was arrested Tuesday night, police said Wednesday.

Police Chief Superintendent Catalino Rodriguez, Regional Director of Northern Mindanao police, said in a statement that joint elements of Libona Municipal Police Station and the Regional Public Safety Battalion arrested Valeriano Anonsaon Jr., known as “Junior,” in Sil-ipon village, Libona, Bukidnon at about 10 p.m. Tuesday.

The arrest brings to three suspects allegedly involved in the attacks arrested by police. Two were earlier arrested in a follow-up operation  by government forces in Kihare village in Manolo Fortich town.

Local police of Libona received reports that Anonsaon was last spotted in Sil-ipon village where he was recuperating from the injuries he sustained in an encounter with Army personnel on February 23, Rodriguez said.

Three rebels were killed, while three others were injured in the said clash, he added.

The management of Del Monte is now coordinating with the local police in the filing of arson cases against the arrested suspects.