A SUSPECTED hitman for the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested after the police found his hideout in Barangay Guiwanon, Tabuelan town, northern Cebu on Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2019.

Jonbert Momo, 29, was arrested by operatives of the first Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) led by Police Lt. Col. Rene Kyamko.

The suspect is a native of Barangay Bongbong, Pangantucan town in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao.

The arrest was based on the warrant of arrest for murder issued by Malaybalay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Eldred Cole last July 10.

Momo allegedly killed former NPA leader Jerry Baguio.

Kyamko said they were able to receive information from Bukidnon police that Momo was hiding in a northern Cebu town.

Baguio’s wife, Yolanda, said in her affidavit that Momo, a former NPA member, killed her husband following the victim’s defection to the government.

Before he died, Baguio had served in the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit.

On Nov. 27, 2018, Baguio was allegedly murdered by Momo in Maramag town in Bukidnon.

The PMFC’s surveillance showed that Momo found a job in Tabuelan as a construction worker, said Kyamko.

During the arrest, Momo was caught by surprise. He tried to escape; he failed.

Momo reportedly cut his ties with the NPA after he fled to Cebu, said Kyamko.

In a separate interview, Momo denied that he was involved in Baguio’s death; he admitted that NPA members were behind Baguio’s death. He also belied the accusation that he was a hitman for the communists.

Two months before Baguio’s murder, Momo said he had relocated to Cebu.

Momo claimed he and Baguio were close friends, so he would not harm him. They left the NPA to focus on their personal lives. (from GPL of Superbalita Cebu/JKV)