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Alleged rebel leader arrested in Malaysia, deported to Philippines

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Jacque Manabat, ABS-CBN News

Eric Jun Casilao, an alleged leader of the New People&#x27;s Army, was arrested in Malaysia and deported to the Philippines on Monday, authorities said.Police officials escorted a handcuffed Casilao on his flight to Davao de Oro on Monday, April 17. The Philippine National Police said Casilao is an alleged NPA leader in Mindanao and is also accused of terrorism. In a press conference, PNP said Malaysian immigration authorities flagged Casilao at the Langkawi immigration check-in counter on his way to Thailand via a ferry boat on April 1. He was also subsequently detained for violation of Malaysian immigration laws before he was deported. Casilao is accused of non-bailable cases such as murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping and serious illegal detention. “It was agreed in that meeting that relevant Malaysian authorities be requested to assist in tracking, arresting and deporting the said leaders who are fugitives from justice,” PNP Directorate for Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda said.The Bureau of Immigration also confirmed that Casilao was left the Philippines with a fictitious name and a &quot;genuinely-issued&quot; passport.“Kaya wala tayong nakitang derogatory claim (or record) that would prevent us deferring or offloading the subject. Ibig sabihin, nasa travel record natin na gumamit lang po siya ng pangalan na kung saan genuine po ang passport,” Bureau of Immigration Deputy Spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said.&quot;Basically ang passport niya ang picture doon ay yun talaga (siya). Pero the name is not his real name,” Mabulac said.Casilao’s younger brother, former Anakpawis Party-list representative Ariel Casilao, was also at the airport duringf the deportation. However, he failed to talk to his sibling. “My brother is not a terrorist. I can assure you I know him for the last 20 plus years of our lives na magkasama kami. Ito lang huli na syempre hindi ma pwedeng magkaroon ng komunikasyon kasi pinili niya ang ibang landas,&quot; he said.&quot;Maraming po ang makakapagsabi kung sino si Eric Jun Casilao. It is far different from what the AFP and PNP is describing him,” he added.Former Rep. Casilao appealed to the law enforcers and the judiciary to treat his brother in accordance with international humanitarian protocols. “We expected this (arrest). Bahagi ito ng aming pinaninindigan. Ang panawagan namin, allow him to face his charges. Treat him under human rights and international humanitarian protocols… Let him face his charges in the court in the proper forum and prove his innocence,” he said.The former lawmaker said he had not spoken with his brother in 10 years and had assumed the latter was in Malaysia to seek political asylum. &quot;Kasi hindi na patas ang tratado dito sa bansa... Yung mga kasama niya at kakilala ko na inaresto. Sinasabi nila &#x27;nanlaban,&quot; he added. The PNP said Eric Jun is the Secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) and a central Committee member of the CPP-NPA-NDF. He had a P5.4 million bounty on his head, police said.“We are implementing the warrants of arrest. With regards to the allegation on the subject. They can always prove that (their innocence) at the court.” PNP Directorate for Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda said.PNP and AFP are also on a hunt to arrest Eric Jun’s wife, May Vargas Casilao, an alleged plenary member of SMRC who they said also had a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and attempted murder.

Eric Jun Casilao, an alleged leader of the New People's Army, was arrested in Malaysia and deported to the Philippines on Monday, authorities said.

Alleged rebel leader arrested in Malaysia, deported to Philippines

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Alleged rebel leader arrested in Malaysia, deported to Philippines

Jacque Manabat,

ABS-CBN News

Published Apr 17, 2023 10:31 AM PHT

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Updated Apr 17, 2023 03:06 PM PHT

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Eric Jun Casilao

Ariel Casilao

NPA

rebel

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