By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested three suspects linked to the 2010 killing of a public school teacher in Masbate.
In a statement on Monday, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Rodriguez Morico II identified the suspects as brothers Rex and Abe, along with their cousin Noy, all residents of Palanas, Masbate and members of a “communist terrorist group” — a term frequently used by the Philippine government to refer to the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and affiliated organizations.
The suspects were arrested by virtue of warrants for murder issued by a Masbate court on Nov. 20, 2025. No bail was recommended for their temporary release.
CIDG said the three were affiliated with Komiteng Larangang Gerilya 1 South and Sub-Regional Committee 4 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee of the NPA operating under the command of “Ka Manong” in Masbate province.
They were also listed as regional and provincial most wanted persons and included in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report.
Abe, tagged as the No. 8 provincial most wanted person of the Masbate Provincial Police Office, was arrested on May 12 in Barangay San Isidro, Cataingan, Masbate.
Rex, identified as the No. 3 regional most wanted person of Police Regional Office 5, was arrested on May 13 in Barangay Libtong, Cataingan.
On May 14, joint operatives arrested Noy, the No. 4 most wanted person of Police Regional Office 5, in Barangay Nabangig, Palanas, Masbate.
Investigation showed that on July 9, 2010, the suspects and two other accomplices allegedly conspired to shoot dead a 27-year-old public school teacher in Barangay Malibas, Palanas, while the victim was on his way home.
CIDG said the arrests underscore the government’s continuing campaign against fugitives and individuals linked to terrorism. (PNA)
