DOJ recommends filing of terrorism charges vs. 11 alleged NPA members

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday announced that it has recommended the filing of terrorism charges against 11 alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

According to the DOJ, the 11 individuals allegedly ambushed state forces in May 2023 at Barangay Malisbong in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro with high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices.

The agency said the attack was characterized as an act of terrorism by prosecutors.

“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.

The alleged members of the NPA were identified 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.

Meanwhile, it said charges of unlawful possession of firearms and explosives were dismissed due to lack of probable cause due to insufficient evidence.

There were no casualties among the Philippine Army during the said ambush. —VAL, GMA Integrated News