Gov’t troops nab NPA leader in foiled Mati City Police Station attack

MANILA — Troopers from the 10th Infantry Division have successfully captured the communist New People’s Army (NPA) leader rebel who headed the foiled attack at the Mati City Police Station, Davao Oriental Sunday night.

1st Lt. Vergel Lacambra, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said government forces capturedSentro De Grabidad Front 18 commander Prince Wendel Olofernes, alias “Edoy,” at 6: 30 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Taguibo, Mati City.

Olefernes was still wearing a military uniform when cornered by pursuing government troops.

He assumed as commander of SDG Front-18 of the NPA following the arrest of its former leader Jordan Donillo alias “Talyo” in December 2014.

The former was the head of the Basil Platoon during the foiled attack.

Meanwhile, the slain NPA rebel in Mati City Police Station attack was identified as Brian Alfonso alias “Sim”.

Alfonso was the vice-commander of SDG Front 18.

“We will continue to hunt down these lawless armed elements and we will make sure the sacrifices of our brave soldiers who perished in defense of Mati City will not be put to waste,” 10th Infantry Division commander Major General Eduardo M. Año said.

Various criminal charges will be filed against Olofernes and his colleagues after the foiled NPA attack which also injured a civilian in a landmine explosion.