Communist consultant arrested in Laguna

AUTHORITIES arrested on Sunday, March 24, another National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant who has a standing arrest warrant for murder.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde identified the arrested NDFP consultant as Francisco Hernandez, who was nabbed in Barangay Calumpang, Liliw, Laguna at 5:16 a.m. Sunday.

Hernandez was arrested along with his wife, Cleofe Lagtapon, and Gee-Ann Perez, who are allegedly both members of the leftist group.

Recovered from them were three short firearms, assorted ammunition, and various electronic gadgets, which they allegedly used for their extortion activities and several subversive documents.

Albayalde said Hernandez has four standing arrest warrants over murder charges. His wife was included in one of the arrest warrants.

“The arrest of the two of the most wanted person (national level) holding key position of CPP-NPA-NDF, specifically Kilusang Rehiyon Negros Committee, will greatly affect the leadership aspect of the communist terrorists group,” he said.

“In addition, it shows genuine support and serious campaign to eliminate or neutralize the 50 long years existence of CPP-NDF-NPA that brought terror and problems to the Filipino people and its government,” he added.

Hernandez was among the NDFP consultant who was temporarily released to take part in the peace negotiations between the government and communist leaders in Oslo, Norway in 2016.

Of the 23 NDFP consultants who were released, six have already been re-arrested, including Hernandez.

Earlier, the PNP also arrested CPP key leaders Rafael Baylosis, Vicente Ladlad, Rey Claro Casamber and Renante Gamara over illegal possession of firearms. (Third Anne PeraltaMalonzo/ SunStar Philippines)