Police nab top NPA commander in Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – Palawan’s top New People’s Army commander fell into the hands of the authorities here Sunday following a pursuit operation launched by the provincial command of the Philippine National Police.

The PNP provincial command headed by Superintendent David Martinez announced Monday the capture of Sonny Gonzales, 43, and his wife, identified as Alma Moreno (not the actress), alias “Ka Carol.”

The couple had long been on the most wanted list of law enforcement agencies, with a combined bounty of over P4 million, according to Martinez.

Gonzales, also known among intelligence units as Gilbert Silagan, Ka Glen and Ka Marlon, peacefully surrendered along with his wife to a group of pursuing PNP operatives Sunday in the remote village of Inogbong in Bataraza.

Martinez said the operation was launched over the weekend after they received a tip from a civilian informant that the couple was reported to be in the area.

Gonzales, alleged head of the NPA command in the province, reportedly hails from Mauban, Quezon.

Martinez said there were at least seven outstanding warrants for Gonzales’ arrest, mostly on murder charges, and three for Moreno, all issued by Palawan courts.