SAMAL, Bataan — A former high-ranking official of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP- NPA) in Central Luzon was arrested here late Wednesday afternoon by combined elements of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army.
Samal police head Chief Insp. Emelito dela Cruz said Juanito Carabeo, alias Toktok, 62, was nabbed in his house in Brangay San Juan of this town by members of the Bataan Police Provincial Office, Philippine Army and Samal police by virtue of a warrant of arrest.
“Halos three months ang surveillance at ng positive na, isinagawa na ang raid. Nahaharap si Carabeo sa kasong three counts of murder, rebellion at arson (The surveillance was almost three months and when it was ascertained, the raid was conducted. Carabeo will face three counts of murder, rebellion and arson),” the chief of police said.
Dela Cruz said Carabeo was a member of the CPP-NPA for more than 20 years, and stopped only when he suffered a stroke and got paralyzed.
Carabeo was assistant medical staff but later became the secretary of the Regional Medical Staff of the Central Luzon Regional Party Committee of the communist organization.
Carabeo admitted he was with the rebel movement from the 1980s to 2016, transferring from Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan and other areas.
“Pagkakataon ko na ito upang makapag-bagong buhay (This is my chance to start a new life),” he said of his arrest.
Dela Cruz said Carabeo will be turned over to the court that will issue a commitment order for suspect to be jailed. (PNA)
