THE two suspected members of the New People's Army-Special Partisan Unit (NPA-SPARU) who were arrested after an encounter with state forces last week are linked to the shooting incident of a public school teacher, among other atrocities in Bukidnon.

According to 403Bde, Philippine Army, the arrested rebels were the principal suspects in the shooting of: teacher Zhaydee Cabanelez last October 15, the killing of Cafgu personnel Pedro Omblero Jr. last October 26, grenade explosion at Quezon Municipal Police Station, and also an explosion of an Army checkpoint in Valencia City wounding 4 military personnel.

The alleged NPA-SPARU members identified as Frederic Fagurda and Pedeng Matikinon were wounded after a brief encounter with the police and military last week.

The army also tagged the NPA-SPARU members as perpetrators in the killing of Jermel Pulido, who was allegedly killed as part of the NPA's internal purging; Bernardino Matanod, who was also shot dead; Rodolfo Estember and Nathaniel Tagaylo for allegedly not remitting extortion money; Leah Tumbalang, an NPA surenderee; and Renan Egargin who was also killed on the suspicion that she is a government informant.

"Their arrest gives initial justice for Teacher Zhaydee who is still recuperating from the trauma and for CAFGU Auxiliary Pedro Omblero who was handcuffed and killed while being deprived of liberty," 403rd Brigade Commander Edgardo De Leon said.

According to the 403rd Brigade, the NPA SPARU hitmen are active in urban areas.