Suspect was identified to be an NPA member
TACLOBAN CITY– A joint operation by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) and the Philippine Army led to the arrest of the region’s most wanted person, a suspected member of the communist New People’s Army in Barangay Opong, Catubig, Northern Samar, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Eso,” is a 55-year-old farmer from Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar. He is reportedly affiliated with the NPA under the command of alias “Darren” and has been evading authorities for multiple murder charges.
Police apprehended Eso based on two outstanding arrest warrants for murder, both without bail. The first warrant, issued on October 10, 2023, was signed by Judge Decoroso Turla, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 22 in Laoang, Northern Samar. The second warrant was issued on April 5, 2024, by Judge Ricardo Estavillo Amos of the same court.
The arrest was the result of an intelligence-driven operation carried out by the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd NSPMFC), the Catubig Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the 19th Infantry Battalion (19IB) of the Philippine Army.
Police B/Gen. Jay Cumigad, Regional Director of PRO-8, praised the joint forces for their unwavering commitment to law enforcement.
“This successful operation highlights the strong collaboration between the PNP and the Philippine Army. His capture is a significant step in our fight against crime and terrorism in Eastern Visayas,” he said in a statement on Thursday, April 3.
“We remain steadfast in tracking down fugitives who threaten peace and order in our communities,” Cumigad added.
The suspect is currently in the custody of Catubig municipal police station for proper documentation and legal proceedings.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
