By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has pledged to pursue the remaining members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western Visayas.
The 3rd ID issued the statement following the arrest of Tomas Dominado, a high-ranking NPA leader in the region.
“The arrest of Dominado and his companion is a testament to our unwavering commitment to finding, fixing, and finishing all remnants of the communist terrorist group,” the division said.
Brigadier General Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, commended the 301st Infantry Brigade and their Philippine National Police counterparts for the joint law enforcement support operation that led to Dominado’s arrest.
“We will not rest until we have achieved complete victory against this terrorist organization and have effectively prevented them from resurging. We will continue to strengthen our anti-insurgency operations and collaborate with other security forces and various sectors of society to fulfill our vision for a stable internal peace and security environment in Western Visayas,” Sison said.
Joint military and police operatives arrested the 74-year-old Dominado at his house in Gloryville Subdivision, Barangay San Jose, Arevalo, on the afternoon of December 5.
Dominado, also known by the aliases Pendong, Wil, Asyong, Winston, Greg, Tom, and Duroy, was identified as the first deputy regional party secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay and head of the Conglomerate Regional Urban Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in Panay Island.
Military records show Dominado was among the original recruits of the CPP’s First Quarter Storm in Panay in the 1970s. He previously served as a core cadre in the CPP’s National Instruction Bureau and as a staff member for the Pambansang Kawanihan sa Edukasyon (PAKED) of the CPP Central Committee from the 1970s to the 1980s.
Designated as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorist Council, Dominado is the husband of activist Ma. Luisa Posa-Dominado, who was abducted along with another leftist leader, Leonilo Arado, on April 12, 2007, in Barangay Cabanbanan, Oton, Iloilo.
Authorities arrested Dominado based on an arrest warrant for murder with the use of a firearm under Criminal Case No. 11-1187-10, issued by Judge Antonio Gerardo S. Amular of RTC Branch 21, Mambusao, Capiz, on November 3, 2014.
He also faces a rebellion charge under Criminal Case No. C-17-1857-09, issued by Judge Judith D. Orendain-Tonogbanua of RTC Branch 20, Mambusao, Capiz, on December 12, 2017.
Reports link Dominado to planning and executing violent activities by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Panay, including a series of encounters and the liquidation of suspected civilian informants and former Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) members in Iloilo in 2007 and Capiz in 2011.
He is also allegedly involved in the murder of Ruben Cabunagan of Tubungan, Iloilo, in 2007; the attempted murder of Jodie Mordice of Miagao, Iloilo, in 2007; and the murder of Arturo Tagudinay of Tubungan, Iloilo, in 2007.
Police also arrested a companion, identified as “Jofel,” 42, of Barangay Purok 2, Pavia, Iloilo.
Authorities said Jofel, a former NPA member, served as a medic or caregiver for Dominado.
Jofel was arrested after allegedly resisting and obstructing Dominado’s arrest. During a frisk, police recovered a .45 caliber Colt pistol with serial number 216759, loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.
He will face charges for obstruction of justice, violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and violations of Republic Act 11479 (Anti-Terror Law), specifically Section 12 (Providing Material Support to Terrorist Organizations) and Section 14 (Accessories for Harboring, Concealing, or Assisting in the Escape of a Principal).
Sison warned remaining CTG members that they could not evade the law forever.
“While the law may be harsh, it is the law. Harm or even death can occur during law enforcement operations. It is in your best interest to lay down your arms and return to the folds of the government before you face the consequences of hiding from the authorities,” he said.
Sison added that surrenderees could avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the government’s amnesty program to start afresh within the safety of their families and communities.
