CAMP Melchor F. dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Authorities captured three high-ranking New People's Army leaders in Barangay Manag, Conner, Apayao, on October 8.
The 503rd Infantry Brigade received information from a concerned citizen about the presence of communist rebels in the area.
Soldiers backed by policemen patrolled the area and intercepted three individuals who were positively identified as key members of the Regional Guerilla Unit-Regional Operations Command of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) operating in Northern Luzon.
They were identified as alias Sam, commanding officer of the Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) of the ICRC; alias Tanya, political instructor; and alias Annie, organizer and head of education of the weakened guerilla front Kilusang Larangang Gerilya-Baggas.
Seized from them were two M16A1 rifles with ammunition, grenades, explosives, and personal belongings.
Major Gen. Gulliver L. Señires, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, commended operating units for a successful operation.
“The capture of these high-ranking NPA leaders is a significant step towards dismantling the remaining guerilla fronts in Northern Luzon. It demonstrates that the people are increasingly rejecting the NPA’s violent ideology and supporting the government’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and development in the region.”
He urged remaining NPA to return to the fold of the government.