DOJ files terror charges vs 11 alleged NPAs in Occidental Mindoro

Terrorism charges were filed against 11 alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Occidental Mindoro, Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Mico Clavamo said Thursday.

“I was able to get information yesterday that the case has already been filed in Occidental Mindoro… charging them with terrorism,” he said in a forum organized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

“We have filed the necessary charges to be prosecuted… in court,” he added.

Earlier, the DOJ identified the alleged NPAs as Jovito Marquez, Antonio Baculo, Sonny Rogelio, Veginia Terrobias, Lena Gumpad, Job Abednego David, Jessie Almoguera, Reina Grace, Bethro Erardo Zapra Jr., Daisylyn Castillo Malucon, and Yvaan Corpuz Zuniga.

The suspected NPA members have been arrested, Clavano said.

These individuals allegedly ambushed state forces in May 2023 at Barangay Malisbong in Sablayan town with high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices, the DOJ said.

According to the Justice Department, prosecutors characterized the attack as an act of terrorism.

“The intent behind the ambush was deemed to cause death, serious injury, and to instill a widespread atmosphere of fear, thereby destabilizing the fundamental political, economic, and social structures of the Philippines,” the DOJ said.

Meanwhile, the DOJ said the charges of unlawful possession of firearms and explosives were dismissed due to lack of probable cause due to insufficient evidence.—RF, GMA Integrated News