AN ALLEGED high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was captured by government forces after a seven-hour gunbattle against communist fighters on Monday, April 23, in Sitio Salbuyan, Barangay Amsipit, Maasim, Sarangani Province.

Pablito “Jebjeb” Torno, allegedy a vice commander of the NPA, was found wounded in Sitio Lunay in the same village by troops from the 27th Infantry Battalion.

Lieutenant Colonel Jones Brisal Otida, commander of the 27th IB, said Torno was given first aid treatment before he was transferred to a hospital in General Santos City.

Authorities recovered three M16 rifles, one hand grenade, one rifle grenade, three Baofeng HH radios, eight jungle backpacks with personal belongings and a “subversive” document from Torno’s possession after the encounter.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the charges to be filed against Torno. (Yvonne C. Masloc FSUU Intern)