NPA rebel arrested by PA-PNP joint forces

By Liza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur --- Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) and 9th Infantry “Spear” Division Commander Major General Adonis Bajao lauded the collaborative effort of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the arrest of one of the high-ranking officials of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Malabon City, on May 9, Tuesday.

In a press statement, Division Public Affairs Office Chief MAJ Frank Roldan said that Dindo Monsanto alias "Boy," commanding officer of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) of the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) was arrested in Barangay Baritan, Malabon City around 2:30 AM, May 9.

“The relentless focused military operations enforced by the 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of MGen. Adonis Bajao led to the arrest of Dindo Monsanto alias “Boy.” Monsanto is also a central committee member of the CPP-NPA-NDF and is the mastermind behind major terroristic attacks in Bicol,” Roldan added.

Found in Monsanto’s possession are one (1) M16 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, a fragmented hand grenade, an anti-personnel mine, eleven cellular phones, nine flash drives, a memory card, and subversive documents.

He also has standing warrants of arrest for five counts of murder, attempted murder, robbery with homicide, and violation of anti-terrorism law.

“As the ROC commander, Monsanto had instigated various terroristic activities against the government and the Bicolanos including the bombing incident in Masbate that killed FEU's varsity players, Kieth and Nolven Absalon last June 6, 2021; the ambush of five PNP personnel securing a government project; and the burning of heavy equipment used in the construction of Bicol International Airport,” Roldan stated.

MGen Bajao said that the apprehension of Monsanto will not only cause significant disruption within the organization but will also hasten the crumbling of the terrorist group, which is already approaching a breaking point.

The said official also extended his gratitude to the Army, the PNP, and the community for their tenacity and commitment to put a stop to the lawlessness and chaos brought by the CTG to the defenseless casualties and innocent civilians.

The 9ID Commander once again assured all the Bicolanos that the Army will continue to protect the community from rebel and terroristic assaults and finally put an end to the decades-long insurgency in Bicol. (With reports from DPAO, 9ID, MFRoldan,PA-PIA 5/Camarines Sur)