Manila Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria
The arrest warrant was issued by presiding Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 dated August 28, 2019.
The warrant also covers the arrest of Armando Guerrero, Armando Liwanag, and former National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) senior adviser Luis Jalandoni, among others.
Sison was on self-exile in the Netherlands for over three decades.
Also included in the arrest warrant are those charged with 15 counts of murder in connection with the Inopacan massacre, namely:
- Rodolfo Salas alias Ka Bilog — former CPP chair who was arrested in 1886 and granted an amnesty in 1992 by former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos;
- Leo Velasco – NDFP consultant for the peace process;
- Jose Luneta — co-founder of Kabataang Makabayan and former CPP secretary general secretary; passed away in Germany on May 1, 2018;
- Geronimo Pasetes;
- Prudencio Calubid – NDFP peace consultant;
- Luis Jalandoni — NDFP senior adviser;
- Sarmiento Eduardo – NDFP consultant;
- Francisco Pascual, Jr.;
- Mil Lominion;
- Fortunato Felicilda;
- Benjamin Beringel;
- Quirino Quinawayan;
- Fernando Rachel;
- Pecario Sonana;
- Jesus Solayao;
- Lino Salazar;
- Alfredo Taladro;
- Tito Gabar;
- Muco Lubong;
- Felix Dumali;
- Ciriaca Malimot;
- Luzviminda Orillo;
- Anselmo Balduhesa;
- Alfredo Mabingay;
- Bertino Oroza;
- Bonifacio Padoc;
- Rodrigo Paplona;
- Prescillono Beringel;
- Anastacio Dorias;
- Nick Ruiz;
- Sammy Labarda;
- Charlie Fortaliza;
- Luis Villena;
- Rolando Caballera;
- Donata Lumbrento; and
- Luz Abejo.
All accused were facing murder charges after the 70 skeletons of the alleged victims were found from shallow graves in Inopacan, Leyte on August 28, 2006.
No bail was recommended for the 38 accused.
(With reports from Bombo Christian Yosores)
