CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte – A successful joint police operation led by the Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT) Southern Leyte, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 8, together with Police Regional Office 8 and various PNP units, resulted in the arrest of two key figures within the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Eastern Visayas in Barangay Upper Quirino, Magsaysay, Baguio City on July 8, 2024.
“The arrest of these two top CTG officers responsible for propagating violence and destabilizing peace in the region is a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to combat local insurgency,” stated Brig.Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, PRO-8 Regional Director.
According to Pawid, the accused are known as aliases “Islaw”,47, who served as secretary, and “Ninya”,42, who served as Educational/Finance Officer under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Both were temporarily residing in Baguio City.
Additionally, alias “Islaw” is one of the leaders involved in notorious harassment activities and destruction of government properties conducted by the CTG in Northern and Eastern Samar provinces.
The accused were arrested based on warrants for violation of Section 4(A) of RA 11479, otherwise known as the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,” issued by the court on August 8, 2022, with no bail recommended, and for Arson issued on January 16, 2024, with P72,000 recommended bail.
Another separate arrest warrant was issued against “Islaw” for violation of Sec 4(D) of RA 11479, dated April 12, 2024, with no bail recommended.
Meanwhile, the accused were taken to CIU, Baguio City Police Office for documentation and proper disposition prior to the return of warrants to the court of origin.
Pawid commended the seamless coordination and collaboration of the involved PNP units, which led to the operation’s success.
He also acknowledged the crucial role of the community and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in reporting any suspicious activities that may endanger public safety.
“PRO 8 assures the public that with the arrest of these two high-ranking CTG members, we will continue to strengthen our efforts against insurgency and the apprehension of wanted individuals. We also appeal to those who have been misled to lay down their arms and join us in supporting the government,” he added.
