Top NPA leader, 4 other rebels arrested in Samar

CATARMAN, Northern Samar: A highranking leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and four other rebels were apprehended by an inter-agency task force composed of the 803rd (Peacemaker) Brigade and North

at 4:30 p.m. on Friday in Barangay Bangkerohan here.

Capt. Ryan Velez, spokesman for the 803rd Brigade based in Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, said those arrested were Marieta Bartolo aka Tayang, front secretary of Metro 1, SRC Emporium, an NPA leader operating in the Northern Samar municipalities of Pambujan, San Roque, Silvino Lobos and Las Navas; Ruth Figueroa, barangay ( village) captain of Barangay University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) Zone 3, University Town, Catarman; Emboy Loberiano; Danny Basiloy; and Gil Martirez.

Velez told TheManilaTimes that the four were arrested while they were inside a green Isuzu SUV (WVT 7270.

They supposedly came from the UEP and were on their way to Catarman when tailed by operatives,

SUV approached a diversion road.

The vehicle’s driver ignored the shot, prompting the lawmen to shoot the SUV’s right front tire and the rear, forcing it to a stop.

The NPA leader and Figueroa as well as three others inside the SUV were arrested and brought to the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial custodial facility.

Velez said one of the suspects tried but failed to escape by jumping from the vehicle.

Authorities recovered from the

pistols, one cal .38 pistol and one

live ammunition, groceries and cooking pans, a Chinabank passbook in the name of Ruth Martirez Figueroa, 12 envelopes containing P30,000 each and documents.

Col. Ramil Bitong, 803rd Brigade commander said Bartolo is believed to have raised funds to ensure Figueroa’s reelection as president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Catarman.

Figueroa is a sister of retired Brig. Gen. Joselito Figueroa, former deputy commander of the 803rd Brigade and wife of UEP law professor Bernabe Figueroa.

Bartolo was facing several cases of murder and frustrated murder with warrant of arrests issued by Judge Morey Nueva of the Gamay Regional Trial Court in Northern Samar.

The suspects could not be reached for comment as arresting

to media because they had no legal counsel yet.

Except for Figueroa, all of the suspects are detained at the PNP provincial custodial facility.

- ern Samar Provincial Hospital because of elevated blood pressure.