Military nab 9 farmers suspected to be NPA rebels

KIDAPAWAN CITY -Nine farmers, suspected of being members of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA), were arrested in a hinterland village in Kitao-tao town in Bukidnon, Authorities said they recovered from the suspects an improvised explosive deviseand several subversive documents. One of those arrested was identified as Helen Manlibaas, secretary-general of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) in Bukidnon and resident of Barangay White Kulaman, Kitao-tao. It was in Manlibaas’ possession that the arresting officers seized subversive materials, according to reports. Also arrested were Camilo Asunan, Selmo Manlomaray, Lolok Manlipay, Ronaldo Gesta, Markie Manlomaray, Ar-ar Manlomaray, Jun-Jun Pilisar, and Tonton Labadan, all farmers and members of KMP-Bukidnon. The suspects were placed under the custody of the 8thInfantry Battalion of the Army in Kitao-tao, one of the arresting units. Relatives and neighbors of the suspects considered the arrest unjust and violated human rights. For Claro Lawigan, also a KMP member and a resident of Barangay White Kulaman, said the evidences were planted by the arresting officers. The landmines were planted. Even the subversive documents. They were arrested because of intrigues,” said Lawigan. Lawigan said the raid on Wednesday was the second in Kitao-tao since May this year. In May, four residents of Barangay Calapaton, suspected of being NPA members, were arrested by government troops. One of them died due to multiple bruises when apprehending soldiers allegedly tortured him, according to Lawigan. The arrests came after farmers staged rally in front of the municipal hall of Kitao-tao when severe drought hit the town in May. The farmers were seeking assistance from the municipal government to help them recover from the drought. The KMP also condemned the arrest saying it showed how ‘ruthless’ the military was, especially to those individuals or groups who tend to go against the government.