SANTO TOMAS – An alleged New People’s Army (NPA) squad leader facing multiple criminal cases was arrested in La Union on Sunday, days before the signing of an interim joint ceasefire agreement between Communist leaders and the Philippine government.

On the strength of 5 arrest warrants issued by Judge Policarpio Martinez of Regional Trial Court Branch 71, First Judicial Region in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, police arrested Johnny Obeña, alias “Rod,” in Barangay Casantaan, Santo Tomas, La Union.

He was employed as a construction worker at a cousin’s house, and was living with his mother in Barangay Casantaan. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Obeña has been on their watchlist since October last year.

“Naghahanap kami ng magta-tiles, eh bakante naman siya. Hindi namin alam yang mga iyan,” said his aunt Vicky Obeña.

(We were looking for someone to place tiles in our house, and he was available. We did not know anything about the allegations against him.)

Obeña was allegedly the leader of the NPA's Squad Dos Platoon.

“Matagal na siyang binabantayan ng mga kasamahan natin sa iba’t ibang unit ng intelligence dito sa Region 1. Siya yung number 17 sa periodic statistic statement ng RIU (regional intelligence unit),” said PO2 Mauro Aradanas Jr., investigator on case of the Santo Tomas police.

Obeña is facing three frustrated murder and two attempted murder cases.

“We are hell-bent to pursue them and apply the warrant na ipinalabas ng mga judges natin. He's been involved in several skirmishes against the government. Kasama rin sila sa pagpapasabog ng improvised explosive device, way back in 2015,” said Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, commander of 81st infantry battalion of the Philippine Army, in an interview with ABS-CBN News.

Obeña was also allegedly involved in attacking soldiers of the 81st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Bugbuga, said Osias.