AUTHORITIES on Friday arrested Milisya ng Bayan liaison officer and a brother of ranking officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Surigao del Sur, military officials said Saturday.

In a statement, the suspect Ernest Abenio Valdez, alias Istong, 48, is a resident of Purok Camansi, Brgy. Bayan, in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur was arrested by members of the Surigao Del Sur provincial police office and Army's 3rd Special Forces  Battalion (3SFBn) at 2:30 am on January 15.

"The arrest of the suspect is a joint effort made by the police and the army," said 3SFB civil-military officer 1st Lieutenant Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan.

Punsalan said Valdez was confirmed as member of SRC Southland and its Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) and the brother of Felizardo A Valdez, alias, Adu/Paduk, Secretary of Communist NPA’s Sub-Regional Command (SRC) Southland. 

Valdez' arrest was made through a search warrant issued by the 11th Judicial Region, RTC of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur for illegal possession of firearms, according to Punsalan.

"The military and police efforts boost in addressing insurgency, criminal elements, and private armed groups through close cooperation schemes," said Punsalan.

Seized items from Valdez were 1 unit Cal.45 pistol with 6 live ammo, an improvised marble gun and short magazine for M16 rifle. 

Punsalan also said that the Indigenous People leaders of Surigao Del Sur will be ready for the hunt of NPA's liquidation squads. 

"The death of our Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Datu Jumar S Bucales did not scare us," said Datu Alexander Bucales, Lianga IPMR, adding that Bucales death only made them angrier and determined to track down NPA rebels with the help of the AFP.

"We accepted that our lives as IP leaders fighting the NPA rebels are on the line. We are ready to become heroes for our tribe even if it costs our lives," said Bucales.

Army's 3SFB commander Lt. Colonel Joey B Baybayan said the unit remains focused on the campaign and mission to contribute in ending the NPA insurgency in Surigao Del Sur.

"This effort is a counter-SPARU measure to preempt NPA rebels–initiated violent activities," said Baybayan.

                                                                                                                                           Baybayan also said the Local Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) and Peace Law Enforcement Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster intensified its monitoring and security operations following the threats of communist NPA founder Jose Maria Sison to employ its NPA liquidation squads in the urban areas. 

                                                                                                                                          Meanwhile, 401st Brigade commander Brigadier General Allan D Hambala warned all those civilians who are supporting and protecting the NPA rebels in the area.

“Regardless of their status in life, civilians, politicians, name it. If we find out that you go against the law by protecting NPA Terrorists we will hit you hard using all legal means as provided by law,” Hambala said. 

Valdez and the seized items are now in the custody of Marihatag MPS for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges. (Ben Balce)