GOVERNMENT FORCES captured a New People’s Army (NPA) leader Friday afternoon at a checkpoint in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte province.
Military intelligence reports have identified Dominicano D. Muya, who goes by the aliases Marco and Atoy, as a former staff member of the NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee and present staff member of the Southern MIndanao Regional Party Committee. Mr. Muya had also reportedly served the latter committee as secretary of Guerrilla Front 18.
Capt. Alberto C. Caber, information chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said Mr. Muya holds several other key positions in the communist rebel group,
Found in Mr. Muya’s possession were a .45 caliber pistol, a hand grenade, two cellular phones, and assorted documents.
Mr. Caber said the suspect is wanted for robbery, homicide, and murder in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon in Mindanao. According to Mr. Caber, Mr. Muya was involved in the June 19, 2004, killing of PO1 Marito Correos and PO1 Rey Ejercito in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, and in the June 14, 2009, killing of 2nd Lt. Lucresio Julampong Jr. in Bantawan village in Davao Oriental.
Authorities have a P4.8-million cash reward for Mr. Muya’s arrest.
Maj. Gen. Eduardo M. Año, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division based in Mindanao, said Mr. Muya’s capture is another major setback for the NPA that may cause demoralization in the group and create a vacuum in their leadership.
Earlier this year, government forces captured Benito and his wife Wilma Tiamzon in Cebu City, a week before the NPA’s 45th anniversary on March 29. -- A.M. Monzon
Source: BusinessWorld
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