Alleged NPA squad leader nabbed for rebellion raps

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in Janiuay, Iloilo evening of Jan. 26, 2019.

Police and military operatives collared Karma John Suarez, who also goes by the names Fred and Dennis, 34, a resident of Barangay Corot-on, Lambunao, Iloilo.

Suarez is allegedly the squad leader of Sentro De Gabidad (SDG) under Igabon Platoon, Central Front Kilusang Rehiyon Panay (CF KR-P).

Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 spokesperson, said validation by Janiuay Police Station and the intelligence community “confirmed” Suarez’s affiliation with the NPA.

Aside from Janiuay PNP, the 603rd Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 and the Philippine Army’s 31st Military Intelligence Company-MIB also joined forces in arresting the suspect at Barangay FY Armada, Janiuay.

Suarez is facing rebellion charges in Criminal Case Number 17-1857-09. Regional Trial Court Judge Judith D. Orendain-Tonogbanua in Mambusao, Capiz issued the arrest warrant on Oct 12, 2017.

A P40,000 bail was recommended for his temporary freedom.

But it looks like a P40,000 bail won’t be enough to free Suarez.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) spokesperson, said that the suspect was also using a fictitious name. He allegedly identified himself as Joseph Pinuela, 34, resident of Barangay Conaynay, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Malong said the Janiuay PNP also probed if there are other pending or standing warrants of arrest against Suarez.

“It was found out that he has pending criminal case for murder, frustrated murder, and robbery at the Office of Provincial Prosecutors Office, Roxas, City,” she said.

Malong said that Suarez was also one of the suspects who raided the Maasin Police Station on June 18, 2017.

He allegedly mounted surveillance operations on members of the 1st Iloilo Mobile Force Company that arrested an alleged local leader of the NPA in Maasin town.

Suarez was turned over to the Mambusao court while a criminal case for violation of Article 178 of the Revised Penal Code or using a fictitious name is being prepared against him.