By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – Authorities captured a high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebel during a manhunt operation in Surigao del Sur on Tuesday, police announced Wednesday.
Col. Harry Domingo, provincial police director, identified the suspect only as “Arjun,” 27, a member of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 30 of the NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee. The arrest occurred in Barangay Calatngan, San Miguel town.
The suspect faces seven standing arrest warrants issued by two regional trial courts in Tandag and Cantilan cities between 2021 and 2022.
Charges include murder, frustrated murder, three counts of attempted murder, and illegal logging violations under Presidential Decree 705.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to public safety and delivering justice for victims of these crimes,” Domingo said in a statement.
Arjun remains detained at the San Miguel Municipal Police Station pending transfer to judicial authorities.
Domingo said the operation forms part of intensified counterinsurgency efforts following the 2023 dismantling of Arjun’s former guerrilla unit. (PNA)
