From the Website of Philippine Army
links: http://www.army.mil.ph/pr/2014/feb/180214.html
Bitoon, as identified by a former NPA
rebel who is now in the mainstream society, is alias MOLONG, Secretary
of the Regional United White Area Committee and at the same time a
member of the Executive Committee (EXECOM) of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros
(RUWAC, KR-N).
links: http://www.army.mil.ph/pr/2014/feb/180214.html
Government security forces nab another top CPP-NPA leader in Negros
Talisay City, Negros Occidental –
Combined security forces of the AFP and the PNP arrested a certain
Romulo Bitoon around 6:10a.m. yesterday February 17, 2014 at the
vicinity of Hacienda Dos Hermanas, Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
Bitoon was arrested by virtue of
warrants of arrest for Murder with case number 4311-C issued by Judge
Renato Muñes of Cadiz City and Arson with case number 4201 issued by RTC
59, San Carlos City.
Col Jon Aying, Commander of 303rd
Brigade said, “This is another development that the peace loving people
of Negros want to hear as we continue to pursue our goal to have a just
and lasting peace in our society. This will add up to the leadership
crisis within the CPP-NPA.”
Bitoon’s murder case involved in the
killing of late Lt Archie Polenzo of 62nd Infantry Battalion in Cadiz
City in a sniping incident perpetrated by the Haggard Platoon, Northern
Negros Front, KR-N.
While his (Bitoon’s) Arson case involved
in the burning of Victorias Milling Company Transloading station in
Brgy San Jose, Toboso, Negros Occidental on March 16, 2008 where two (2)
cranes, four (4) prime movers and one (1) teen-wheeler truck were
burned by the NPA.
In April 5, 2010, Bitoon was arrested and jailed for his case of arson but bailed out in the amount of P150, 000.00.
Major General Aurelio Baladad, Commander
of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army said, “The arrest of Bitoon
is another significant accomplishment of the convergence of efforts of
all the stakeholders who have been working with us in our peace and
security operations here in the Region. We have strengthened our resolve
to bring criminals behind bar of justice and we continue with our
commitment to maintain an environment conducive to development.”
Prior to Bitoon’s arrest, Victor Tapang
alias ARDEM/GIDEON/KENNETH also a ranking leader of KR-N, was arrested
by the government authorities last February 15, 2014 in Silay City,
Negros Occidental for the case of Murder and Robbery in band.
The successful series of arrests can be
attributed to the convergence of efforts among the AFP, PNP, other
stakeholders involved in the security sector and the peace loving
citizens of Negros.
Baladad stressed that “The people of
Western Visayas particularly the victims of violence perpetrated by the
CPP-NPA deserve to attain justice and live in a peaceful society. We
will continue to support the PNP in implementing arrest to those who are
facing charges in our courts of law.
Likewise, we should collaborate with one
another to address the root causes of conflict to achieve just and
lasting peace. We should shun violence and work together in creating an
environment of peace for us to solve our societal problems.”
“Armed struggle is not the solution to
our societal problems. We call on to the rest of the CPP-NPA members to
lay down their arms, abandon the armed struggle and return to the
comfort of their families and join us in bringing peace and development
especially to the communities in the countryside,” Baladad added.
Bitoon is now detained at Talisay PNP station.
Press Release by the 3ID, PA
PHILIPPINE ARMY WEBSITE
AFP Websites
Article links
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
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