Alleged terrorist nabbed in Western Samar – PNP

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos. Senate PRIB file photo / Bibo Nueva España

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced the arrest of another alleged member of a communist terrorist group (CTG) in Western Samar.

PNP Chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos identified the suspect as Esteban Padaca Jr., who had been wanted for two counts of murder and the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 58, 1st Judicial Region of Bucay, Abra.

According to the PNP’s police report, Padaca was arrested during a joint intelligence-driven operation at around 6:50 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20, in Barangay Maulong, Catbalogan City, Western Samar.

Carlos said that Padaca is now under the custody of the Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB) in Camp Vicente Lukban, Barangay Maulong, Catbalogan City, Western Samar for documentation and proper custody.

“The entire police force of Philippine National Police down to lower units is firm on its stand to totally eradicate local communist terrorist groups in the country by strengthening appropriate mechanisms and initiate better peace and development activities particularly in conflict-affected communities,” assurred Carlos.

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