SURIGAO CITY – An alleged high ranking leader of the New Peoples Army Guerilla Front 16 was arrested in an AFP/PNP checkpoint by joint elements of the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion, Surigao City Police and Provincial Public Safety Company.
Accordingly, a certain Mr. Arpel Rabago a.k.a Yoyo, Vice Commander of an NPA platoon of the Guerilla Front 16 operating in Surigao del Norte was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest issued by Surigao City Judicial Branch Court for cases of Multipile Attempted Murder and Frustrated Murder.
“Ka Yoyo was arrested at an AFP/PNP checkpoint along national HighWay, KM14, Brgy Trinidad, Surigao City on July 5 at around 5pm”, 2LT Jonel Castillo, CMO Officer 30IB said.”Aka Yoyo is responsible for the series of harassments and extortion in certain parts of the province.”
He led a numerous attacks against government troops who are conducting Peace and Development Activities in the towns of Malimono, San Francisco and Surigao City during the previous years” Castillo added.
“We will continue stabilizing peace and security in the province of Surigao del Norte. We will never allow these Communist Insurgents destabilize our peace efforts especially in conflict affected areas”, LTC Allen Tomas, Commander of 30IB said.
“The arrest of Yoyo is a wake up call to other NPA members. It is the right time to lay down your arms and be with the Government”, Tomas added.
The subject is now with the Surigao City Police Station for proper disposition. ###AFP | via Eunice Samonte