By CRIS DIAZ, Executive Editor
Captured was Ramil Banawan alias Migs/Kim/Edukaw, a resident of Sitio Danquias, of Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon.
Banawan was the Secretary of Guerilla Front Malayag, Sub Regional Committee 2, of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee 2.
Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr., Chief of the army’s Division of Public Affairs, said that Banawan was captured together with his team leader identified as Marcelito Bandigan alias Niks/Raymond, a resident of Sitio Miaray, Barangay Mandahikan, Cabanglasan Bukidnon,
Garello said that the military seized an M16 Rifle and a 9mm Glock Pistol from the NPA rebels who werer now at the Headquarters of army’s 88 Infantry Battalion in Maramag, Bukidnon for initial processing.
Aside from facing multiple criminal cases, suspects had warrants of arrest for Destructive Arson with Criminal Case Nr 37148-21, and Frustrated Murder Criminal Case Nr 36903-21 both issued the regional trial court in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Romeo S Brawner Jr,, Commander of the Fourth Infantry Division here, said that the downfall of fhe NCMRC is imminent following the arrest, captured and surrender of its top leaders.
“The recent surrenders and arrests of top communist NPA leaders and members revealed the low morale and the loss of sense of direction of the insurgency movement in the NCMRC,” Brawner said.
He said that the government and the military are optimistic that the capture and surrender of top NPA would send a strong message for the other communist rebels to abandon the armed struggle and heed “our call for peace.” -0-
