By Tara Yap

Newly-installed Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) chief, Police Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba, filed formal criminal charges on Thursday against the New People’s Army, in relation to the rebel group’s recent attack on the Maasin Municipal Police Station.
The case listed a total five charges, including robbery in band, serious illegal detention, direct assault upon persons of authority, public disturbance, and violating the Anti-Carnapping Act.
A total 20 rebels were named in the case, with another 40 still unidentified.
Tayaba noted, some of the rebels include high ranking officers of the NPA Southern and Central Fronts, namely Erver Buencochillo and “Christy” Cabales (alias “Carla”).
On June 18, NPA rebels raided the Maasin Municipal Police Station and overpowered law enforcement, stealing government-issued firearms, ammunition, and personal belongings./WDJ