TACLOBAN CITY – A joint law enforcement operation led by the Eastern Samar Provincial Intelligence Unit (ESPIU) has arrested a 59-year-old farmer, known by the alias “Julie,” in Brgy. Osmeña, Marabut, Samar.
The suspect, identified as a member of the New People’s Army’s Sikop Platoon under the former Guerilla Front North-East, was apprehended on the strength of a warrant of arrest for multiple murder issued by RTC Branch 4 Presiding Judge Gorgonio Alvarez in Dolores, Eastern Samar.
The warrant, dated December 27, 2002, carries no bail.
He is also linked as a co-perpetrator in the 2001 ambush in Brgy. Libertad, Maslog, Eastern Samar, which claimed the lives of six soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The arrest, carried out with the support of the Maslog and Marabut municipal police stations, was described by authorities as a product of an intelligence-driven operation.
Following due process, the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights, underwent medical examination, and was later turned over to the Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office for documentation before being referred to the issuing court.
“This arrest demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement officers to uphold justice and maintain peace and order in our society. We are grateful for the cooperation of the community in making our province a safe and secure place for everyone,” Eastern Samar Police Provincial Director Police Col. Ernesto Macasil said.
The Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office stressed that the operation reflects their KAUGUP program (Kriminalidad Atuhan ngan Utdon, Gobyerno Ugupan Para ha Kamurayawan ngan Kauswagan), which underscores the continuing campaign to combat criminality and ensure public safety.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
