ILOILO City – A former commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) based in the province of Antique was arrested.
Ramie Agustin alias “Ka Bal” of Poblacion, Sebaste, Antique had been hiding from authorities for about 10 years.
He was arrested on the strength of an arrest warrant on Oct. 18 in Sitio Marabong, Barangay Batong Buhay, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.
Judge Nicvani Marin of the Regional Trial Court 6th Judicial Region Branch 13 in Culasi, Antique issued the warrant in relation to multiple murder, multiple attempted murder and multiple frustrated murder charges Agustin faces. The court recommended no bail bond for the suspect’s temporary liberty.
Police investigations revealed that Agustin was a former regional commander unit of Northern Front, KR Panay with the rank of major and he was the suspects in some encounters when he was still active.
Agustin was now detained in the lockup cell of the Sebaste police station after he was turned over yesterday.
On the other hand, Captain Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said that Agustin’s arrest was the through the help of the community who are now changing their mindset and trust the government forces.
“The community plays a vital role and we acknowledge their efforts to help us in our fight against the terrorists and to end armed conflicts,” Pancito said./PN
