By Priam F. Nepomuceno
MANILA, Aug. 23 (PNA) — Joint military and police units have arrested a New People’s Army (NPA) liaison officer during checkpoint operations in. Barangay Sirawan, Toril District, Davao City Saturday night.
The incident took place 9 p.m., said Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs office chief Capt. Alberto Caber.
The arrested rebel was identified as John Omega Nebris alias “Part” and affiliated with the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Recovered from his possession were a .45 pistol caliber, a fragmentation grenade; three cellular phones, 13 sim cards, Php5,000 in cash and personal belongings.
Nebris is now detained at Toril PNP station while the case is being prepared against him.
The former’s arrest stemmed from reports coming from a concerned citizen.
Caber said Nebris’ arrest is a big blow to the NPA movement as he is knowledgeable of the rebels’ activities in the region.
As this develops, the Eastern Mindanao Command is now conducting pursuit operations against thee NPAs who destroyed four backhoes, two graders; a crane; and a dump truck in Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur Saturday night.
Extortion is being eyed as the motive for these attacks. (PNA)