[Inquirer] An alleged high ranking official of the communist New People's Army operating in Samar has been arrested and is now being detained at the provincial jail in Catbalogan City. Erwin Lagucay was nabbed Sunday night and has been charged with illegal possession of explosives. A hand grenade, a blasting cap, two improvised explosive devices and bladed weapons were discovered in his bag during his arrest.Army officials described Lagucay as a leader of the NPA's Centro de Gravidad and head of the organizing committee of the Jorge Bolito Command. He was said to be a resident of Barangay Villa Aurora in Basey, once a stronghold of the communist group in the region.
Inspector Eric Loterio said, "He was standing on the street when was arrested by the members of the Army’s intelligence group."
Lagucay denied being a leader, and said he was only a member of the militant group. He also admitted involvement in an ambush and a raid on a paramilitary detachment in Sta. Rita. That ambush in 2005 resulted in the death of a policeman.