PH military to coordinate with DFA, DOJ for arrest of Joma Sison

Jose Maria Sison (AP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it would coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice, and the international police on the arrest of communist leader Jose Maria Sison.

The military issued the statement on Friday after a local court ordered the arrest of Sison, his wife, and 36 others for their alleged involvement in a mass murder three decades ago.

“We may not be able to serve the warrant right away as they are outside our jurisdiction. But we are not without recourse,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

Sison and his wife have been in self-exile in the Netherlands for around three decades. Others who were ordered arrested include Luis Jalandoni, Rodolfo Salas, Leo Velasco and Jose Luneta.

The AFP said it was “elated” with the court order.

“This is a crime against humanity. Though it’s too early to claim victory, we are happy for the Filipino people—especially for the families of the victims of this heinous crime—because the wheels of justice shall begin to grind,” Arevalo said.

The warrant of arrest issued on Aug. 28 was for the mass killing of New People’s Army members, whose remains were found in a  mass grave found in Inopacan town, Leyte in 2006. They were allegedly killed in 1985  for being suspected as government spies.

“We are sure that the long arm of the law will soon catch up on Mr. Sison and his cohorts,” Arevalo said.

Manila court orders arrest of CPP’s Joma, 37 others over 80s ‘purge’