Former CPP chair and NPA chief Rodolfo Salas, alias Kumander Bilog, is presented to media by Police Regional Office 3 chief Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia. Photo by Bong Lacson
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Police on Tuesday afternoon presented to media in Camp Olivas here what it called the result of its “relentless efforts on ELCAC” – the former chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines and chief of the New People’s Army.
Rodolfo Canda Salas, 72, aka Kumander Bilog, reputed to be the only one that ever held simultaneously the helm of the communist party and its military arm was arrested in his home in Balibago, Angeles City early morning Tuesday by a composite team from the Special Concern Unit-Regional Intelligence Division 3, 301st Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3, and the Angeles City Police Intelligence Branch.
“It was spectacular show of force by the police, complete with battle-ready troopers,” said a resident in the Dona Carmen St. neighborhood who witnessed the arresting party enter Salas home.
A police press statement said the arresting officers were “armed with warrant of arrest for 15 counts of murder under Criminal Case Nos. 08-262163 (formerly H-1581)(I&14- 306533 – 14-306546) signed by Hon. Thelma Bunyi-Medina, presiding judge RTC Branch 32, Manila dated Aug. 28, 2019.)
“It’s an old case, but the court issued the warrant of arrest against the former NPA chief last year,” said Police Region 3 director Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia during the news conference where he presented Salas to media.
This, even as he referenced the arrest to President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ECLAC).
Asked for the specifics of the warrant of arrest against Salas, Sermonia referred media to RTC Branch 32 in Manila from where it was issued.
Aside from the standing warrant, Sermonia said charges for violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act are now being prepared for filing in court against Salas.
This, as the arresting team reported seizing one .45 pistol (serial no. P113180), 174 pieces of different ammunitions, and two .45 magazine assemblies from Salas’ home.
Absolute pardon
Salas, in informal talks with media men prior to the news conference, said he could not immediately think of the nature of the warrant of arrest issued against him, and that he did not receive any notice, much more a subpoena prior to his arrest.
“I served the minimum of six years and one day after I pled guilty to the crime of rebellion, and was released in 1992,” he said. “In 1994, I was granted absolute pardon by President Fidel Ramos.”
Since then, Salas said he has lived a “quiet, civilian life” in Angeles City.
In 2003, he was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as chair of the Rehabilitation Commission for the Pampanga Electric Cooperative I, II, and III which he discharged until 2006.
It was also in 2003 that the provincial government of Pampanga bestowed on Salas the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award in the field of Social Justice. Of late, Salas is said to be engaged in forming cooperatives among farmers.
Proper procedure
In the very limited time that Salas was “tolerated” to speak at the news conference, he cited the police for observing “proper procedure” in his arrest.
“Masasabi ko lang, ibang-iba kaysa noong Martial Law kung saan bugbog-sarado ako bago pa dinala sa detention center dito rin sa Olivas.”
Sermona said the police will accord Salas all his rights “subject to court processes” even as expressed hope that the former CPP-NPA chief would convince the “few remaining” members of the movement to return to the fold of law.
At the same news conference, the police presented “14 NPA fighters who have submitted themselves to authorities and voluntarily surrendered five assorted light firearms, three grenades, and five .40mm ammunition.
Asked if they knew Salas who was seated across them, some said they had heard of him during their indoctrination.
