A captured senior New People’s Army (NPA) leader overseeing operations across Roxas, Mansalay, and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro was reunited with his family following an October 14 clash in Bulalacao, even as he faces 11 outstanding warrants and several new criminal complaints.
Military reports from the 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade identified the captured individual as Miguel Magbata, alias “Mikoy.” Government troops captured Magbata in Sitio Bagao, Barangay San Roque, Bulalacao, after an armed encounter with NPA members.
Following the firefight, troops recovered a high-powered firearm and various war materials left behind by fleeing NPA elements.
Judicial records show Magbata has 11 active warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, alongside additional warrants from other municipal courts. Five new criminal cases have also been filed against him, consisting of three counts of attempted murder, one count of attempted homicide, and one count of murder.
Brigadier General Melencio Ragudo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, stated that pursuit operations remain ongoing against the escaped NPA members as part of a wider campaign in Mindoro.
“Our troops are conducting sustained pursuit operations against the remaining NPA members who escaped during the encounter in Bulalacao. At the same time, we are intensifying our combat operations across Mindoro to prevent these armed groups from regrouping and continuing to threaten our communities. We will maintain this pressure until the remaining armed elements are dismantled and insurgency is brought to an end on the island,” Ragudo said.
Military officials noted that Magbata received humane treatment following his capture despite the severe legal charges against him. Through coordination by the 1st Infantry Battalion under the 203rd Infantry Brigade, Magbata was permitted to meet with his family while legal processes were initiated.
Major General Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, stressed the military’s duty to uphold human rights and adhere to judicial procedures.
“Regardless of the number of criminal charges an individual faces, our soldiers have a responsibility to ensure that the law is upheld and that every person in our custody is treated humanely. The courts will determine his accountability for the offenses charged against him. Our duty is to protect our communities, respect human dignity, and ensure that justice takes its proper course,” Sadural said.
Magbata’s family expressed appreciation to military personnel for granting humane treatment and facilitating the reunion after the engagement.
Sadural renewed the division’s call for remaining armed insurgents in Mindoro to surrender and reintegrate into society.
“We do not want to see more of our fellowmen suffer because of this conflict. Those who remain in the mountains still have the opportunity to choose a different path. We encourage them to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and avail themselves of government programs that can help them rebuild their lives,” Sadural also said.
The 2nd Infantry Division affirmed that it will maintain focused military operations against remaining NPA elements in Mindoro while adhering strictly to International Humanitarian Law, due process, and human rights standards.