DARAGA, Albay, July 21 (PNA) — The Philippine National Police Bicol regional office on Tuesday announced the capture of a top commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bicol on Monday evening by joint operatives of the Regional Intelligence Unit-5, Regional Intelligence Division-5, Regional Public Safety Battalion and Daraga Municipal Police Station at Arboleda St., Barangay Ilawod, in this town.
Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, PNP Bicol regional director, identified the arrested NPA leader as Eddie Astano alias Ka Taba/Louie, head of the executive committee of Komprob (Komite Probinsyal) Sorsogon and member of the Bicol Regional Party Committee who resides in Sorsogon.
Deona said the suspect was arrested at about 7:00 p.m. while he was walking after allegedly attending a meeting in a residence in Barangay Ilawod.
He said Astano, who was alone and believed to be going home to Sorsogon, did not resist arrest.
The report said the police received information on the presence of Astano in the area.
The suspect is now in the custody of authorities and undergoing investigation about possible NPA plans against the government in the region. (PNA)