[SunStar] Authorities turned over to the trial court in Bukidnon province two alleged high-ranking members of the New People's Army who were arrested last week. Maria Limbaga Unabia, alias Del, and Francis Madria, alias Kiang, are facing charges of murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder.Unabia, who is from Koronadal, South Cotabato; and Madria, who is from Malaybalay City in Bukidnon, were arrested in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City on July 4.
Eastmincom spokesperson Ezra Balagtey said the militants were arrested after an intelligence report stating that communist guerillas would converge in General Santos City to assess and plot the ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Aside from the accused, Balagtey said 11 persons were also arrested and were charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1829 or Obstruction of Justice after they tried to prevent authorities from arresting the two wanted rebels
Balagtey said the 11 people were granted temporary liberty by a judge after Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate and Ali Macalintal of rights group Karapatan posted bail on their behalf. He said, "The Philippine National Police, assisted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines legal team, is on the process of applying for issuance of search warrant to allow a forensic test on the electronic gadgets confiscated from the 11 persons."
Eastmincom commander Benjamin Madrigal earlier directed units to intensify security operations, in light of plans for a revolutionary movement to oust President Duterte.