Authorities nab 9 farmers suspected to be NPA rebels

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Nine farmers suspected to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA), were recently arrested in a hinterland village in Kitaotao town in Bukidnon,

Authorities said they recovered from the suspects an improvised explosive device and several subversive documents.

One of those arrested was identified as Helen Manlibaas, secretarygeneral of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) in Bukidnon and a resident of Barangay White Kulaman, Kitao-tao.

It was in Manlibaas’ possession that the arresting officers seized subversive materials, according to reports.

Also arrested were Camilo Asunan, Selmo Manlomaray, Lolok Manlipay, Ronaldo Gesta, Markie Manlomaray, Ar-ar Manlomaray, Jun-Jun Pilisar, and Tonton Labadan, all farmers and members of KMP-Bukidnon.

The suspects were placed under the custody of the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Army in Kitao-tao, one of the arresting units.

Relatives and neighbors of the suspects considered the arrest unjust and a clear violation of human rights.

Claro Lawigan, also a KMP member and a resident of Barangay White Kulaman, said the pieces of evidence were planted by the arresting officers.

“The landmines were planted, even the subversive documents. They were arrested because of intrigues,” said Lawigan.

Lawigan said the raid on Wednesday was the second in Kitao-tao since May this year.

In May, four residents of Barangay Calapaton, suspected of being NPA members, were arrested by government troops.