Two suspected members of the New People’s Army, live-in partners Pedro Banga Lumantas and Lita Pador Mahilum, were committed yesterday to the Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center for alleged violation of RA 8294.

The warrant of arrest against them for illegal possession of explosives was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Judge Roderick Maxino.

The hand grenades were confiscated during their arrest by military and police authorities on July 27 at the Sibulan town wharf.

Lumantas, 44, also known as Ading/Lukring/Mumer and a native of Barangay Magsaysay in Sevilla, Bohol, is allegedly the Finance, Logistics and Communications officer of the NPA’s Komite Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas.

Mahilum, 41, also known as Joy/Belen, a resident of Labangon, Cebu, is allegedly a courier of the NPA.

Lumantas had earlier been placed under arrest and held by the Negros Oriental police by virtue of Warrants of Arrest for Murder (4 counts) docketed at Criminal Case Numbers DNO-3332, DNO-3333, DNO-3334 and DNO-3335 issued by Judge Sylvia Aguiree-Paderaga of the Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Danao City, Cebu.

No bailbond was recommended for each case.

Maxino set P200,000 each as bail for Lumantas and Mahilum for the illegal possession of explosives case.

But, Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, deputy provincial police director for operations, said that while the woman can post for bail for her temporary liberty, it would not be the same for Lumantas, since he is facing four other cases that are non-bailable.

Lawas said they will coordinate with Danao City to determine whether Lumantas should be detained at the provincial jail in Negros Oriental or transferred to Cebu.

Meanwhile, NODRC chief Diomedes Sombilon has assured enough security at the provincial jail amidst initial public concern over the facility’s capability to guard high profile inmates.

Sombilon noted that there are other suspected NPA rebels in the provincial jail and that there have been no attempts to rescue them.

Lumantas and Mahilum have denied allegations that they are NPA members.

Mahilum also said she will ask her relatives to help her put up bail.*JG

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