NPA holds Surigao gov’s convoy, seizes 7 firearms

BUTUAN CITY — Some 80 heavily-armed NPA rebels blocked and disarmed the three-vehicle convoy of Surigao del Sur Gov. Vicente Pimentel Jr. while on their way to Tandag City at past 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, a flash report from the Philippine Information Agency special election coverage office said. Gov. Pimentel and his security escorts were on board a convoy of three vehicles—a Toyota Land Cruiser, a Nissan Patrol and a Toyota Hi-Lux—at the Hinatuan-Bislig City boundary road when the camouflage-uniformed suspects flagged them down at Sitio Tandawan, Barangay Loyola, the PIA report said. Pimentel’s younger brother Johnny, confirmed the incident in a text message. Pimentel’s vehicle was reportedly able to speed away, but the two other vehicles remained stuck at the NPA checkpoint, forcing the governor’s vehicle to turn back and rejoin the convoy. The NPA rebels then disarmed Pimentel’s security personnel after a heated altercation that nearly led to a shootout. Pimentel’s convoy was later allowed to proceed unharmed, minus their firearms. The NPA rebels reportedly seized four M16 rifles, an MP5 rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, and ammunition. The governor’s party came from Lingig, Surigao del Sur, where Lingig Mayor Roberto Luna Jr. and his four security escorts were being held captive by the NPA in nearby Compostela Valley province. The governor is head of the crisis committee on the Mayor Luna kidnapping, and was reportedly trying to hold talks with NPA unit holding Luna and his four escorts near the boundary of Surigao del Sur and Compostela Valley before the incident happened. Pimentel is the regional chairman of the Caraga Region Peace and Order Committee and also an official of the Caraga Regional Development Council. He is now on his third term as Surigao del Sur governor, and has been campaigning as Lakas-Kampi’s mayoral bet in Carrascal town. Pimentel’s younger brother, Johnny, is Surigao del Sur provincial administrator, former vice governor, and now Lakas gubernatorial bet. Another Pimentel brother is reelectionist Tandag City Mayor Alexander Pimentel. The Pimentel family reportedly owns one of the biggest mining companies and timber concession in Surigao del Sur.—Ben Serrano/JV, GMANews.TV