By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) allegedly involved in the encounter in Ilog, Negros Occidental on September 14, are facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and illegal possession of explosives.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Manongdo, commander of Philippine National Police (PNP) – 6th Special Action Force Battalion (6SAB), said the criminal complaint was filed on Wednesday against Nilda Bertulano, an alleged secretary of the SouthWest Front (SWF), Ronel Burgado, and Joebell Mabayag, 26, of the SouthWest Front (SWF) – Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS).
Manongdo said Burgado and Bertulano were wounded during the intense firefight with the 6SAB at Barangay Tabu, when the latter chanced upon them in the area.
Manongdo said Bertulano and Burgado are still confined at a hospital, while Mabayag is detained at Ilog Municipal Police Station.
Mabayag was the only one among the nine individuals held for investigation after they were caught near the encounter site. He was arrested after reportedly confirmed to have direct participation in the clash, according to Manongdo.
Meanwhile, Manongdo said the mother of Joreem Vargas, an alleged platoon leader, who was earlier identified by the police as Christian Vargas, had claimed his remains on Wednesday night.
Vargas was among the four rebels killed in the encounter. Another fatality was identified as Joel Fundador, while the two others remain unidentified.
Authorities recovered two M16 rifles, an AK47, other firearms, ammunition, and other valuables.
