By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA, July 29 (PNA) — Troopers from the 10th Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have arrested the successor of Leoncio Pitao alias “Cmdr. Parago” and three others during operations in Calinan District, Davao City Tuesday noon.
1st Lt. Alexandre Cabales, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the arrested rebel as Christopher Rollon alias “Joel,” the leader of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Pulang Bagani Command.
Rollon is believed to have succeeded “Cmdr. Parago” who was killed in a military encounter exactly a month ago.
The arrest was made by virtue of two warrants for crimes of robbery and attempted murder issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 16 of Davao City.
Rollon was arrested while trying to evade a checkpoint.
Also arrested were arrested were Alexander Abalos Bartolome, Rannie S. Ninal and Mike B. Capito.
Investigation later revealed that Bartolome is a political officer for Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), the Regional Unit of the NPAs covering Davao Region.
Recovered from their possession were .45 caliber pistol, two two fragmentation grenades and several improvised explosive device components such as detonating switch, blasting caps and wires.
“This arrest is a result of the overwhelming support by the community in our peace and development efforts,” 10th Infantry Division acting commander Brig. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr.
“The information they provided has translated into success in our efforts to clean up the community and free them of the terrorism brought by the NPAs,” he added.
For 2015, the 10th Infantry Division has neutralized 16 key leaders of the NPAs including Parago.
Of this number, five died during encounters with government forces while 11 were captured.
A total of 135 rebels has also surrendered to government and have now availed of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program implemented through the local government units. (PNA)