3 NPA rebels nabbed in Sarangani

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, July 31 (PNA)—  Army and police personnel arrested Sunday three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Maasim town, Sarangani Province.

Chief Insp. Canieso Golwingon, Maasim police chief, identified the suspects as Jojo Kolahing alias Bunso, Jasmin Atong Sambra alias Tata, and Raymond Mansia Damon alias Gab, all alleged members of the NPA’s Front 73.

He said the three were arrested in a house at Purok Riverside, Barangay Kablacan at around 2 p.m.

The police official said they earlier received a report regarding the presence of Kolahing at the house of one Lonicito Pason, a resident in the area.

Kolahing, who is facing murder charges in Tacurong City, is included in the list of most wanted persons in Region 12.

Golwingon said the immediately coordinated the matter with the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion and decided to launch the operation.

“The information was positive and we found the suspect along with two other persons there,” he said.

Recovered from the suspects were two hand grenades, a caliber 45 handgun, three handheld radios, a solar, combat shoes and several “subversive documents.”

Golwingon said they are currently determining the possible involvement of the suspects in previous attacks staged by NPA rebels in parts of Sarangani.

He specifically cited the cases of harassment and burning of passenger buses, van and heavy equipment in the municipalities of Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum or Makima area these past several months.

The suspects, who are now detained at the Maasim municipal station lockup, will be charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 for the recovered handgun and explosives. (PNA)