1 dead, 2 NPA leaders nabbed in Medina, Misamis Oriental

January 31, 2010

By Lizanilla J. Amarga

A person was shot dead as law enforcers tried to serve a warrant of arrest against two leaders from the local communist rebel ranks in one of the towns here in Misamis Oriental.

Armed Forces’ Fourth Infantry Division spokesperson Michele Anayron said the incident would have been a mere serving of warrants of arrest against Fortunato Hebia and Maricel Placido who were sighted at Medina , Misamis Oriental.

He said their local battalion troopers and elements from the military intelligence group (MIG) accompanied the elements from the regional office of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-10) late afternoon yesterday.

“Pero misukol man gud to siya mao nahimong enkwentro (But those who were to be served with warrants of arrest fired at our men so it became an encounter between them and our forces as there was an exchange of gunfire),” he told Gold Star Daily.

Anayron said a man who was at close range was caught in the crossfire between the two forces’ firefight.

“Lalaki ang namatay pero hangtud karon wala pa maila mao na among nadawat nga report diri (It was a male civilian who was killed but until now he has not yet been identified that is the report we received here),” he said.

He added that the man was taken to the CIDG-10 headquarters together with Hebia and Placido who were eventually cornered and left with no option but to surrender. One .45 caliber pistol and a grenade were taken from Hebia

In an interview with dxIF Bombo Radyo, CIDG-10 regional director Supt. Juanito Engera said, while they were able to collar both Hebia and Placido, they deeply regret what happened to the civilian.

Anayron said Hebia and Placido are facing multiple murder and double frustrated murder charges that were filed against them at the sala of regional trial court judge Placido Estopia in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

He added that Hebia served as one of the top-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army North Central Mindanao Regional Party Committee operating in the Province of Bukidnon .

Written by admin · Filed Under Feature