Ranking NPA leader arrested in Samar

NPA rebel soldiers in Southern Mindanao (Photo: http://www.ndfp.net)

MANILA — Military and police operatives have arrested a ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader during operations in Sta. Rita town, Samar last June 21.

Reports forwarded Tuesday by 8th Infantry Division spokesperson Major Amado Gutierrez said Erwin C.

Lagucay, commander of the NPA’s Sentro de Gravidad “Botchoy” and head of the organizing department Jorge Bolito Command was bagged by security forces at 11:58 p.m. at Barangay Magsaysay, Sta. Rita town, Samar.

He added that troops from the 801st Infantry Brigade and Sta. Rita Municipal Police Station spearheaded the operation.

Col. Leoncio A. Cirunay, 801st Infantry Brigade commander, said a concerned civilian reported Lagucay’s presence in the area.

He added that he immediately ordered an entrapment operation which succeeded in netting the NPA leader.

The latter yielded a cellular phone, one hand grenade, one blasting cap, two improvised explosive devices, and bladed weapons.

Lagucay, upon questioning, admitted that he was involved in the 2010 raid at Cancaiyas detachment and the ambush of PNP personnel in Barangay Binanalan, Sta. Rita, Samar in 2005.

Lagucay is now under the custody of PNP Sta.

Rita for proper disposition and filling of appropriate charges.