Suspected NPA Rebel Arrested in Toboso

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Police arrested a suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) wanted for murder in Barangay Bandila, Toboso, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday.

The Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) confirmed the arrest of the suspect, identified only as alias “Wil,” 34, a resident of neighboring Calatrava.

Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations officer of the 79th IB, said the case stemmed from the suspect’s alleged involvement in the NPA as a former combatant.

Samoza said the suspect had gone inactive but allegedly served as a courier, supplying provisions to his comrades and maintaining connections with barangays under the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF).

The suspect’s case is non-bailable, but since the offense was committed while he was part of the rebel group, the Army may offer him an amnesty program.

Amnesty may be granted to former NPA rebels for offenses committed in pursuit of political beliefs, such as rebellion, insurrection, and related acts.

The suspect is now in police custody.