Police arrest De Vera's sister; CHED chair says he will let law take its course

Police on Wednesday afternoon arrested a sister of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Prospero de Vera for multiple murder and links to the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

Adora Faye de Vera was arrested at 2:40 p.m. in Quezon City on Wednesday by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Guilljie Delfin Lim of Iloilo City Regional Trial Court Branch 22, said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. in a press briefing in Pampanga on Thursday.

According to Azurin, Adora "is wanted by the court to stand trial for the crime of multiple murder."

In a statement on Friday, Prospero de Vera confirmed that Adora is his sister but said he has neither seen nor spoken to her "for more than 25 years since she decided to rejoin the underground movement."

"As a sibling, I hope and pray for her safety and good health in detention as she faces the cases filed against her," Prospero said.

He added that he does "not share her views nor support her actions."

"I fully support the administration of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos, Jr. in its efforts to end the communist insurgency that has destroyed so many lives and property," the CHED chairman said.

"I will let the law take its course in resolving the charges against her," he added.

According to Azurin, Adora faces charges for multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder with the use of explosives, as well as a separate criminal case for rebellion.

Citing police records, Azurin said Adora is a "staff officer of the general command" of the CPP-NPA and secretary of the Central Front of CPP-NPA Regional Committee – Panay.

"She is the party wife of CPP-NPA Central Committee member Jessie Lipura," the PNP chief said. —KBK, GMA News