A SUSPECTED leader of the New People's Army, including a barangay official and three others were arrested in Catarman, Northern Samar on Friday, July 13.
Arrested was Marieta Bartolo, a suspected top leader of the NPA rebels operating in Northern Samar municipalities of Pambujan, San Roque, Silvino Lobos and Las Navas, the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command said in a statement.
The barangay official was identified as Ruth Figueroa, reportedly the head of Bayan Muna-Northern Samar. The two others were not named.
"Ms. Figueroa appears to be closely working with Ms Bartolo," Lt. Gen. Paul Atal, commander of the AFP-Central Command said, after the group were arrested together onboard a vehicle. They were nabbed for allegedly carrying firearms.
Twelve envelopes filled with cash were also taken from them.
Atal said these envelopes were used to ensure Figueroa's election as chairman of the Association of Barangay Captains in Catarman.
"Indeed, truth finds its way to reveal itself" Atal said with the arrest of the two.
The military official raised concern of the "undeniable link between a government official and a communist leader and their attempt to undermine our democratic process."
What they've done is "undermining government through legal yet underhanded scheme," he said.
Bartolo is reportedly facing criminal cases including multiple murder, frustrated murder and robbery. (VLA/SunStar Philippines with reports from KAL/SunStar Cebu)