MANILA - Four suspected members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were captured in a military operation Saturday in Sorsogon province.

Lt. Col. Lito Sobejana, Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion commander, identified the alleged rebels as Beato Latosa, 35-year-old Amadeo Grayda of Juban town in Sorsogon, 38-year-old Nilo Escullar of Barcelona town and 18-year-old Ernesto Labadia of Bulan town.

Latosa is allegedly the assistant leader of Platoon Number 1 of the NPA and which allegedly operates in Magallanes town

The alleged rebels were purportedly captured in a military operation conducted by the scout Ranger unit in Sitio Sagpan in Barangay Siuton in Magallanes.

Purportedly recovered for the alleged NPA members were 2 M16 rifles, 1 M14 rifle, an Ingram sub-machinegun, 4 hand grenades and ammunition and magazines for the rifles. Allegedly recovered also were subversive documents

Sobejana said the 4 rebels were caught inside the house of Latosa. The rebels reportedly could not fire at the government troopers since the area was densely populated and they were reportedly with their families.

Sobejana added that the NPA group were responsible for extortion activity in the area.

Latosa meanwhile admitted the military’s accusation. He said he was connected with the NPA for almost 7 years now. He said they collect money from businessmen and residents in the area ranging from P50 up.

Latosa said they were in the area to organize residents to attend a grand rally initiated by the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan) party led by Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo. The captured rebel said a “Ka Dupar” and “Ka Ronnie” ordered them to organize people to attend the rally.

Ocampo however belied the allegation.

Meanwhile, charges were reportedly being prepared against the rebels.

Senior Superintendent Heriberto Olitoquit, Sorsogon police director, said that initially, a case of rebellion and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition will be filed against the apprehended suspects.

Sobejano said the military operation is in line with the military’s thrust neutralize the New Peoples Army by 2010.  By Jose Carretero, ABS-CBN Bicol