Top NPA leader nabbed in Bicol

MANILA, Philippines—A top commander of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Bicol has been captured by a joint military and police force in Matnog, Sorsogon.

Arsenio Guelas, alias Gapa and Insoy, commanding officer of the provincial operational command, Komiteng Probinsya Sorsogon, was arrested by the Philippine Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade (IB) and the Philippine National Police on Friday in a house in Barangay Ginablan Occidental.

Reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said the government forces received a tip about NPA rebels roaming around the barangay. Seized from Guelas was a .45-caliber pistol and an improvised explosive device.

Lt. Col. Beerjenson Aquino, commander of the 31st IB, coordinated with police Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, PNP Sorsogon provincial director, in filing charges against Guelas for murder and frustrated murder.

According to Col. Cesar Idio, 903rd IB commander, other charges will be filed against the NPA leader.