‘Priest-turned-rebel leader’ detained in Bohol —BDJ warden

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‘Priest-turned-rebel leader’ detained in Bohol —BDJ warden

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Alleged high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) official Rustico Tan is now detained at the Bohol District Jail (BDJ) after his arrest in Santander, Cebu on Thursday last week.

This was disclosed by BDJ warden Chief Insp. Felipe Montejo today after confusion on the whereabouts of Tan arose days after his arrest by virtue of 14 arrest warrants for murder-related cases.

According to Montejo, Tan who was transported from Cebu was escorted to the BDJ on Monday and detained along with other high-profile inmates of the facility.

READ: Where is ‘high-ranking NPA leader’ Rustico Tan?

Tan was tagged a high-profile detainee due to his status as a former priest and an alleged leader of guerrilla movement in the region, said Montejo.

The jail warden also noted that Tan’s transfer to Bohol from Cebu was not immediately disclosed to the public due to security reasons.


Tan has 14 arrest warrants issued against him by the Regional Trial Court Branch 47 in Tagbilaran City for multiple murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder cases.

He was arrested on the evening of November 9 in Barangay Pasil in Santander, Cebu.

However, his family reportedly was not able to see and get in touch with him after the arrest as they raised concerns for the safety of the alleged rebel leader who is on medication for diabetes.

Although the Cebu Provincial Police Office had told Tan’s family that he was transported to Bohol, Montejo’s pronouncement was the first public acknowledgement of the suspect’s detention in the province, particularly inside the BDJ.

For his part, Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Matanguihan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 302nd Brigade, said that Tan is an NPA official who operated out of Negros Island.

Matanguihan also noted that he was informed beforehand of Tan’s transfer to Bohol.

However, the Army official refused to disclose further details on the charges against Tan due to the “sensitivity” of the information related to the cases.

“Hindi ko pa siguro ma-ibigay yung detalye sa ngayong because of the sensitivity of the information,” he said. (Allen Doydora)

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