By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) wanted for murder and frustrated murder charges was arrested at Hacienda Ambulog, Barangay San Fernando, Talisay City, Negros Occidental last Thursday.
According to Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), Ruffa Baynosa was arrested after she was seen at the house where a two-month-old baby boy was abandoned by his mother.
The mother, who was an alleged high-ranking officer of the NPA, reportedly requested Baynosa to recover her son at the house, but she was cornered by personnel of Talisay City Police Station and 79th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Pancito said the troopers were monitoring the area after the baby’s mother and her female companion fled last Wednesday, leaving the baby behind.
The baby is now in the custody of the City’s Social Welfare and Development Office.
During their monitoring, authorities sighted Baynosa at the house, prompting them to hold her for questioning.
The Army claimed that Baynosa was reportedly one of the 20 armed NPAs involved in the ambush against civilians onboard a utility truck at Purok Mabuhay III, Sitio Toril, Barangay Salamanca in Toboso town on July 13, 2009.
The ambush resulted in the death of three civilians and wounded three others.
Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Alvaran, 79th IB commander, commended the efforts of the troopers and police for their perseverance and commitment which led to the apprehension of the said NPA member.
Meanwhile, Pancito said that the house owner, who allowed the suspected rebels to rent their property, will be investigated by the police.
