Former NPA wanted for crimes

By Liezle Basa Inigo

SAN FABIAN, Pangasinan — An alleged member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army  who surrendered to San Fabian Mayor Constante Agbayani here was later found to have several warrants of arrest for various crimes.
    Police Regional Office 1 Director Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the surrender of Allan Rey Balanay, 48, a resident of No. 368, Kalayaan Street, Quezon City was a joint effort of PRO1, Pangasinan provincial director Col. Ronald Gayo, Northern Luzon Command 702nd Brigade and 7th ID under Maj. Gen. Alfredo V Rosario Jr., and Police Regional Office 2 Director Brig. Gen. Crizaldo Nieves.
    Balanay was listed No. 8 in the periodic status report on threat groups of Region 2 and was wanted for the crimes of murder, frustrated murder, and violations of Republic Act 9516 (illegal possession of explosives), and RA 10591 (illegal possession of firearms and ammunition).
    In his report to Philippine National Police chief General Debold M. Sinas, Azurin said the surrendered NPA member, aka ‘Ka Miguel/ Ka Magong, and a native of Palias, Vintar, Ilocos Norte was an alleged member of the CPP-NPA under the Danilo Ben Command in Cagayan West, Province of Cagayan.
    He was a member of the education committee in 2004-2006 and a medical officer in 2006-2010.
    He was a member of Hilagang Silangan Larangang Gerilya and his area of operation was Cagayan West in 2004 to 2005, and Cagayan East from 2005 to 2010. 
Balanay, who was accompanied by his family, surrendered to Mayor Constante Agbayani of San Fabian.
    Joint elements of San Fabian Police, PRO1 and 702^nd Infantry Brigade, 7thID, Philippine Army were immediately alerted to facilitate the surrender.
    Balanay was subjected to debriefing while security arrangements were made to prevent possible retaliation from the CPP-NPA.
    On Dec. 14, warrants of arrest for violations of RA 9516, RA 10591, and the crimes of murder and frustrated murder, all issued by executive judge Edmar P. Castillo,
    Regional Trial Court, Branch 11, Tuao, Cagayan on June 23, 2020, were served to Balanay.
    Balanay also has five existing warrants of arrest for kidnapping, attempted murder, robbery in band, grave coercion, and arson.
    Azurin attributed the surrender of Balanay to the massive information campaign and tactical operations conducted by different law enforcement agencies with the active support of the community and the local government agencies under the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) in the country.
    He also encouraged other NPA members and supporters to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society.
    Azurin thanked the people of San Fabian and Mayor Agbayani for being instrumental in the surrender of Balanay.
    Balanay is now under the custody of the San Fabian Police.