A top ranking CPP-NPA leader was arrested Monday evening in Bacoor, Cavite by combined elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
Adelberto Silva alias “Oca/Rigor,” was collared by authorities by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 18 of Hilangos, Leyte for three counts of murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and four counts of attempted murder.
He was captured in his safe house on Hernandez Street, Phase 6, Molino 5, Bahayang Pagasa in Bacoor.
According to reports, Silva is currently leading the National Organization Department (NOD) of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Central Committee. He took leadership after the arrest of their leader, Wilma Tiamson. Tiamson was collared by authorities along with her husband, CPP chairman Benito Tiamson, in Cebu in March 2014.
“He is the overall orchestrator of rebel movements in the entire country. He organizes the activities of the rebels,” military spokesman Brigadier-General Joselito Kakilala said in a report.
Also arrested during the operation were Silva’s alleged common-law wife, Sharon Cabusao, 52; and a certain Isidro de Lima, 66.
Col. Noel Detoyato of Philippine Army said that Cabusao and Delima are not subjects of any warrant, but will be facing charges of illegal possession of firearms, explosives, and ammunition.
The arresting team recovered three rifle grenades, subversive documents, improvised bomb components, and several electronic devices. Present during the inventory of seized items were village officials.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., commended both the AFP and PNP for their successful joint operation against notorious leaders like Silva.
“This victory against criminality is attributed to the concerted efforts of the AFP, PNP and other stakeholders in our common pursuit for peace. This accomplishment is for the innocent people who are victimized by the NPA’s senseless violence,” Catapang said.
