Army captures NPA leader

The Philippine Army has announced the capture of a senior New People’s Army (NPA) leader accused of overseeing the group’s operations in Roxas, Mansalay and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro.

The 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) identified the suspect as Miguel Magbata, alias “Mikoy.” He was captured during an armed encounter between government troops and NPA members in Sitio Bagao, Barangay San Roque, Bulalacao, on Wednesday, 14 October.

According to the Army, Magbata faces 11 outstanding arrest warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, with additional warrants reportedly issued by courts in other municipalities. Five new criminal cases have also been filed against him: three counts of attempted murder, one count of attempted homicide and one count of murder.

Troops recovered a high-powered firearm and assorted war materiel reportedly abandoned by fleeing NPA members after the encounter.

Following his capture, Magbata was allowed to reunite with his family while legal procedures were being undertaken. The 1st Infantry Battalion, under the 203rd Infantry Brigade, assisted with the reunion.

Brig. Gen. Melencio Ragudo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, said troops were continuing pursuit operations against NPA members who escaped during the encounter and were sustaining operations against remaining armed groups in Mindoro.

Maj. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, said the Army remained responsible for upholding human rights and ensuring humane treatment for people in its custody, regardless of the charges they face. He stressed that the courts would determine Magbata’s accountability.

The Army also urged remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and return to their families, saying government programs were available to help them rebuild their lives.