POLICE and military personnel apprehended a 46-year-old alleged rebel supporter in Borongan City, Eastern Samar after a warrant was issued for his arrest for unlawful possession of firearms and explosives.
The accused, Cesar Agosto Palce, was arrested around 5 p.m. Thursday, July 29, 2021, in Barangay Songco, Borongan by virtue of a warrant dated July 13, 2021, police said in the report.
Presiding judge Nathaniel Baldono, of Regional Trial Court-Branch 2 in Borongan, did not recommend bail to the accused for alleged violation of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by Republic Act (RA) 9516 (Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device) and RA 8294.
Meanwhile, a soldier was killed and two others were injured after suspected rebels waylaid them in Barangay Dolores, Las Navas, Northern Samar Thursday morning.
The slain soldier was reportedly identified as Staff Sergeant Leopoldo Omanito Jr. while the wounded were Corporals Jason Bautista and RJ Solayao, all from 83rd Military Intelligence Company.
Eastern Visayas, particularly Samar Island, has remained a hotbed of insurgency with the continued presence of the communist rebels. (SunStar Philippines)