Police arrested two officers of the Cagayan Valley region-based New People’s Army (NPA) in two separate operations in Quezon City and Laguna Saturday.
Police Gen. Debold Sinas, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the first operation was conducted in Binan City in Laguna where Joenel Lazo was arrested at around 5 p.m. by policemen from Cagayan.
Lazo is considered as the second most wanted person in Cagayan. He is facing 10 counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder, rebellion, arson, illegal possession of explosives and ammunition, and grave coercion.
He was arrested during a raid in Phase 3 of Olivarez Homes in Barangay Sto. Tomas.
More than an hour later, Sinas said 45- year-old Romeo Aytona was collared in Barangay Kamias, Quezon City.
Aytona is said to be the squad leader of the West Committee, Danilo Command Northern Front operating in Cagayan. He is facing charges for arson, murder, and violation of the Human Security Act.
The government has intensified the crackdown against members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA in the past years. A number of Left-leaning activists have been arrested, including Reina Mae Nacino in Manila and Amanda Echanis in Cagayan.
Nacino lost her baby after they were separated since she was detained after she allegedly yielded a gun and a grenade. The death of her baby sparked public outrage over alleged inhumane treatment.
Echanis, daughter of murdered peasant leader Randy Echanis, was arrested in Cagayan after police allegedly seized an M16 rifle and a grenade from her. Her arrest was also questioned as critics said she could not possibly keep a gun and a grenade since she just gave birth last month.
She was taken to the police station along with her one-month old baby.