An alleged regional leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army operating in Panay Island and his comrade were killed a shootout with Army and police operatives at Providence Subdivision in Brgy. Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo, on Friday, May 28.
The subject of the operation is Reynaldo Bocala, alias Bading, head of Regional Finance Bureau, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P), and the husband of Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta, deputy secretary of CPP-NPA’s KR-P, an Army press release said.
Bocala was killed when he fought back as authorities were serving four warrants of arrest against him, which also resulted in the death of his companion Welly Epago Arguelles of Barangay North Baluarte Molo, the press release said .
Captured from the area were two .45 caliber pistols, a laptop computer, and five cellular phones.
Bocala was accused of robbery in band with frustrated homicide, damage to property using motor vehicle and possession of unlicensed firearms issued by Judge Susan Medina-Alcantara of the 15th Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) in Guimbal, Iloilo on July 12, 2004, with bail bond fixed at Php200, 000.
He was also the subject of an arrest warrant for robbery with serious physical injuries issued by Judge Teodulo A. Colada of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 67, Guimbal, Iloilo on Feb. 4, 2005, with bail bond fixed at PHP180, 000.
Bocala was also accused of violating PD 1744 (Destructive Arson) as amended by RA 7659 issued by Colada on Feb. 21, 2005, with no bail recommended.
He was also indicted for murder before Judge Ma. Monina Misajon of the Atique MCTC on April 16, 1990, with no bail recommended.
Maj. Gen. Eric C Vinoya, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said that the death of one of the top-ranking officials of the CPP-NPA manifested that the long arms of the law will always prevail in bringing to justice those that have violated it.
“Bocala is a notorious terrorist. His death is a victory not only for the government’s law enforcement operation but also for the people of Panay who suffered much from the cruelty of the communist terrorists. This is also justice for all the victims of their atrocities and criminal activities,” Vinoya added.*