By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) announced on Wednesday the arrest of a former high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) commander who had eluded capture for years and is facing multiple criminal charges in court.
In a report, SDNPPO Director Col. Warren Dablo identified the suspect as Pio Gato Jr., also known as alias Jama, 41.
Gato is described as the former commanding officer of NPA Guerrilla Front 16-A, operating under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Gato was apprehended on Monday during a manhunt operation carried out by the 1st Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st SDN PMFC) in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Dablo said the suspect has outstanding arrest warrants for serious offenses, including murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder. These warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; RTC Branch 30 in Surigao City; and the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Jabonga-Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.
“The subject NPA commander was responsible for the attack on Alegria Municipal Police Station on July 10, 2014, during which 17 light weapons and several small arms were taken, and two police personnel were seriously wounded,” Dablo said.
Following that attack, Gato’s group also abducted four police personnel in Barangay Pungtod in Alegria.
Additionally, Gato allegedly participated in the attack on Taganito Mining Corporation on Oct. 3, 2011, which resulted in PHP580 million in damages to the firm.
“He was also identified as the NPA leader who ambushed Army troops in Sison, Surigao del Norte, sometime in 2013, and burned a truck loaded with copra in Barangay San Juan, Alegria town,” Dablo added.
The suspect is now under the custody of the 1st SDN PMFC for proper disposition and the continuation of legal proceedings. (PNA)
