Arrested NPA leader in southern Mindanao now facing 12 cases in Davao court

THE ALLEGED head of the New People’s Army (NPA) group operating in the southern Mindanao area, who was nabbed last month in Bukidnon, has been moved to the Davao City jail and is now facing 12 cases, five of which are non-bailable, for murder and illegal detention. The suspect, Elizalde T. Cañete, also known as Ka Jinggoy, was transferred after Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 15 Judge Mario C. Duaves issued the commitment order. Davao City Police Office spokesperson Maria Theresita D. Gaspan said three special police units secured the transfer of Mr. Cañete, considered a high-risk detainee. Members of the Special Tactics and Response Team, aside from regular Bureau of Jail Management and Penology guards, are also assigned at his detention facility. Mr. Cañete is believed to have replaced NPA leader Leoncio Pitao, also known as Kumander Parago, who was killed almost two years ago in a remote part of Davao City. — Carmelito Q. Francisco