2 NPA leaders arrested in Surigao

BUTUAN CITY – A political and medical officer of the New People’s Army-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) was arrested Thursday afternoon by the joint police and military forces in Sitio Tumanday II, Barangay Rizal, Surigao City.

The Surigao City police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Rovelyn M. Mahinay, alias “Apple,” 28, reportedly the political officer/instructor of SPP1 Guerilla-Front Committee 30 of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), was completely surprised when police and military arrived at her rented house at 5 p.m. on Thursday in Sitio Tumanday II, Barangay Rizal, Surigao City.

Likewise arrested was Mahinay’s partner, identified only as “Kumander Puma,” a resident of Barangay San Isidro, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Seized from Mahinay was an improvised explosive device with blasting cap and detonating cord.

Chief Supt. Marcial Felix said the suspect has a pending case of rebellion and frustrated murder in Surigao del Sur court.

The suspect was immediately brought to the regional office of the CIDG regional office based here for further tactical investigation before turning her over to Surigao del Sur courts, Felix said.

“Another case for violation of RA 9516 or the law on illegal/unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition or explosives is being prepared for inquest before the warrants of arrest will be returned to the issuing courts, " the region’s police chief added.