4 alleged rebels fall in Negros Oriental

CEBU CITY –– Four alleged rebels were arrested in a joint operation by the police and the military in the towns of Ayungon, Mabinay, and Bindoy in Negros Oriental.

Last Friday, July 26, authorities arrested Onie Bangala and his brother Nerie Boy in Mabinay, but the latter escaped during the tactical interrogation, said Brigadier General Debold Sinas, director of the Central Visayas police.

Seized from Bangala were a homemade shotgun, two .38 caliber guns, several pieces of ammunition, a rifle grenade, bladed weapons, and herbal medicines for wounds.

Last July 29, Monday, another operation led to the arrest of three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Nalundan in Bindoy.

The suspects were identified as Efepanio Romano, Rico Oracoy, and Lito Cadusale.

The operatives confiscated long firearms and explosives from the three arrested persons.

Sinas said two of the four suspects were among those who killed the four policemen in Ayungon on July 18.

He, however, did not specify their identities while the investigation went on.

Police said the policemen were tied with nylon cord before they were executed.

Communist guerrillas admitted killing the four police officers, who allegedly acted as spies to implement police operations that had led to civilian deaths in Negros Oriental.

Sinas said the joint operation known as “Oplan: Branstark” by the police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Central Command was meant to go after NPA members.

“We will file a case against them,” he said.

Charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives were being prepared against the four alleged rebels. /lzb