Alleged NPA supporter faces raps for illegal guns, ammos

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A suspected supporter of the New People’s Army (NPA) is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition after he was arrested in a raid at Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on Monday.

Sanny Tagarao, 56, of the said village was the subject of the raid.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Manongdo, commander of 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (Nocpmfc), said they implemented a search warrant issued by Judge Leticia Trigue of Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) in Binalbagan.

Manongdo said that Tagarao was reported to have been allegedly threatening his neighbors with his gun.

Manongdo also said that the suspect was identified as a member of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW), which the authorities claimed to be one of the legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF).

A report from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), said that the frequent visit of alleged members of NPA is an indication that the suspect is an active member and is willing to support the armed struggle in whatever activities they plan to conduct tactical offensive.

Recovered from Tagarao were two .38-caliber revolvers, a holster, and seven live ammunitions.

He is detained at Binalbagan Municipal Police Station.